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(meteorobs) flaming meteor



    Here is a clarification regarding the comments on the grazer over the Tetons.
 
The summary in one of the astronomy magazines states that if the had the object struck the earth, it would have released energy in the kiloton range similar to small nuclear devices. In fact the thin atmosphere deceleration forces were extremely small (a couple of meters per second squared) with a probable velocity of 15 km/sec. And so this rare object survived its encounter with the Earth and continues in an orbit around the Sun. But, a more direct angle of entry would have  meant that the object would only have 5 or 10 seconds to decelerate before impact (assuming it did not self-destruct in the atmosphere). The best estimate summary for the object's mass and size were 4000 English tons and a diameter of about 13m (the length of a tractor trailer but 'spherical'). 
So, assuming a steep angle of entry (say > 70 deg.)... a strong composition meteor (stony)
how much smaller can we go and yet be concerned with destruction as a result of radiant heat energy or destruction by the showering of flaming debris?  Any thoughts on this?
 
Tom

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