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Re: (meteorobs) Re: bolide explosions
When part of the body breaks off and disintegrates rapidly, the huge
increase of surface area moving at basically the exact same speed results
both in a dramatic increase in brightness and the the almost instantaneous
ablation of the fragments.
Cheers, Rob
Robert H. McNaught
rmn@aaocbn.aaodot gov.au
On Fri, 15 Jan 1999, Lew Gramer wrote:
>
> Thanks to Howard for a great question, and George for a very helpful (and
> vivid) response. It sure seems like George's description serves to explain
> fragmentation and (I guess?) concussive sounds. But how can this model of an
> exploding dirt clod produce the terminal bursts or (even stranger) MID-FLIGHT
> bursts which are often noted in fireballs? These are the sudden, nearly point
> like brightenings seen along a meteor's path, which can raise the meteor's
> maximum brightness as much as 3 or 4 magnitudes - a tremendous outpouring of
> energy! Is it that when the dustbunny explodes as George describes, there is
> some kind of very sudden conversion of all its kinetic energy - or what?
>
> Clear skies and many bolides!
> Lew
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