American Meteor Society

Reports Report 5450du (Event 5450-2017)

Observer
Name John T
Experience Level 1/5
Remarks I don't know if this was a fireball, but it is certainly the brightest shooting star that I've ever seen. Other shooting stars I have witnessed in my life have gone across the horizon whereas this one shot straight down (90° perpendicular to the horizon). I was facing due north from Bethany / Woodbridge Connecticut when I saw this meteorite.
Location
Address Woodbridge, CT
Latitude 41° 23' 13.49'' N (41.387081°)
Longitude 73° 2' 0.72'' W (-73.033533°)
Elevation 117.887m
Time and Duration
Local Date & Time 2017-12-26 17:52 EST
UT Date & Time 2017-12-26 22:52 UT
Duration ≈3.5s
Direction
Moving direction From up to down
Descent Angle 180°
Moving
Facing azimuth 7.47°
First azimuth 8.73°
First elevation 45°
Last azimuth 4.36°
Last elevation 10°
Brightness and color
Stellar Magnitude -12
Color White
Concurrent Sound
Observation No
Remarks -
Delayed Sound
Observation No
Remarks -
Persistent train
Observation No
Duration -
Length -
Remarks -
Terminal flash
Observation No
Remarks -
Fragmentation
Observation No
Remarks -