[Prev][Next][Index][Thread]
(meteorobs) FW: OT-- Scientists Pinpoint Meteor Explosion Over New Zealand
a little off topic, but not too far :-)
----------
From: Ron Baalke[SMTP:BAALKE@kelvin.jpl.nasadot gov]
Sent: Saturday, July 24, 1999 11:30 PM
To: astro@lists.mindspring.com
Subject: [ASTRO] Scientists Pinpoint Meteor Explosion Over New Zealand
Institute of Geological & Nuclear Sciences
New Zealand
Contact:
John Callan
Communications Manager
Institute of Geological & Nuclear Sciences Limited
Ph: 04-570-1444 (w)
Email: jdot callan@gns.cri.nz
NEWS RELEASE: 13 JULY 1999
SCIENTISTS PINPOINT METEOR EXPLOSION
Scientists have pinpointed the spot where a meteor exploded over New
Zealand last week, but cannot say whether any fragments reached the
ground.
Terry Webb, a seismologist with the Institute of Geological & Nuclear
Sciences Limited (GNS), said the blast was about 25km northeast of the
south Taranaki town of Hawera, at an altitude of 37km.
The point of the explosion was calculated by using recordings from nine
seismographs from Ruapehu to New Plymouth. The New Plymouth data
came from seismographs around Mt Egmont which are operated by the
Taranaki Regional Council.
Dr Webb used the speed of sound in air to work out the meteor's "terminal
detonation". However, he emphasised there was a margin of error in the
calculations due to variations in air temperature and wind speed.
"This clarifies the location of the explosion that witnesses saw and
heard, but it doesn't tell us the meteor's trajectory or whether any
fragments reached the ground,'' Dr Webb said.
The information had been shared with numerous researchers both in New
Zealand and overseas.
Director of the Auckland Observatory, Ian Griffin, said dozens of people
had contacted the observatory saying they had seen the explosion.
Observatory staff had thoroughly checked all reports and had come up
with what they considered were the 25 most reliable sightings. All 25
accounts tallied with the seismograph derived location.
A United States meteorite dealer has offered up to $US25,000
($NZ48,000) for any fragments of the meteor that flashed across the
central North Island last Wednesday.
To UNSUBSCRIBE from the 'meteorobs' email list, use the Web form at:
http://www.tiacdot net/users/lewkaren/meteorobs/subscribe.html