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Re: (meteorobs) -19 MagitUDE?!



In a message dated 99-07-08 18:51:29 EDT, you write:

 
 
    miller>>  We discussed this last year but I just had another idea.  If 
you could
 reproduce
 the circumstances and set off a flash bulb at a known distance and get the
 same
 exposure then the flash lux rating should be similar to the meteor if it is
 a similar
 duration.  Knowing the distance of the flash someone should be able to
 calculate an approximate magnitude.  With enough assumptions...
      Perhaps that is what you did to get the estimate?
  >>

I thought of doing something like this myself a few months ago, but one of 
the major problems I had to consider was the fact that the observatory is 
about 15 feet above ground. The fireball occurred high up, but off somewhat 
to one side. Somehow I would have to make the test flash from above and away 
from the observatory. I really don't have any way of suspending myself or a 
flash unit at suitable angles that high up...without treading air. I perhaps 
could attach a camera and flash unit at the end of a stick....but to tell the 
truth, I think it would be more hassle than what I'd really want to put 
myself thru. I also don't think any real gains would be made in the long run. 
Thanks for the idea though.
GeoZay
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