I have never seen anything like this in my life The ball was so close and visible as it passed over me. I was facing south and looking to my right when the green fire ball came over the tree line from the southeast heading north west. The huge ball was crystal clear to the eye and luminous green like the Seattle Seahawks have on there uniforms with a tail. The tail was the same size and color that slowly tapered to a tail of green tinted yellow. It made the background of stars in the sky seem so distant and small. I first saw the glow as It came over the trees then it showed itself completely as it crossed Valley Rd. then headed towards Rt..6 disappearing out of my view. In my life nothing had amazed me in nature since I was walking out of the woods with my friend after hunting. It became dark on the way out and lightning storm was brewing. We were talking about getting out quickly because it was getting bad. Then suddenly out of the sky a boom and bolt struck a huge oak tree 40 yards away throwing us to the ground. The sound was deafening and the light so brilliant we were flash blinded.as we lay flat face on the ground my gun was in front of me just out of reach. I did not remember being driven to the ground but I do recall the wave of energy and an odd pressure in my throat at the time of the boom and flash. Recovering from the jolt I called to my friend who was closer to the tree he answered hesitantly and then stated he was o.k. A crackling noise could be heard and yellow light began to appear as my eyes recovered from the flash. The tree top was completely blown off and the tree was on fire about 30 ft. up like a huge torch. It made the walk out of the woods in dark the rest of the way a lot easier! The fireball was also unexpected in nature and memorable, If I had not gotten up to let the dog out at the exact time It came by I would have missed it and knowing now and seeing it so close it would have been so regrettable. .
Location
Address
Mansfield, PA
Latitude
41° 47' 50.64'' N (41.7974°)
Longitude
77° 6' 9.11'' W (-77.10253°)
Elevation
415.387m
Time and Duration
Local Date & Time
2017-08-25 21:15 EDT
UT Date & Time
2017-08-26 01:15 UT
Duration
≈3.5s
Direction
Moving direction
From down left to up right
Descent Angle
89°
Moving
Facing azimuth
209.27°
First azimuth
199.35°
First elevation
23°
Last azimuth
279.85°
Last elevation
38°
Brightness and color
Stellar Magnitude
-27
Color
Green, Yellow
Concurrent Sound
Observation
No
Remarks
-
Delayed Sound
Observation
Unknown
Remarks
-
Persistent train
Observation
Yes
Duration
3s
Length
30°
Remarks
I let my dog out and was looking at the stars the sky was very clear .the fire ball was low to the horizon it came over the tree tops of the hill it was luminous glowing green ball huge made the stars look like specks in comparison. the tail was long green fading to a greenish slightly yellow color It was !so close it was amazing!
