The intensity of the white light was rather startling. I've seen a lot of fireballs, but this one is in my top 5 for brightness, even if it was very brief.
Location
Address
Alexandria, VA
Latitude
38° 48' 35.9'' N (38.809971°)
Longitude
77° 4' 5.3'' W (-77.068138°)
Elevation
44.166m
Time and Duration
Local Date & Time
2016-01-30 18:15 EST
UT Date & Time
2016-01-30 23:15 UT
Duration
≈3.5s
Direction
Moving direction
From up right to down left
Descent Angle
243°
Moving
Facing azimuth
337.48°
First azimuth
336.2°
First elevation
40°
Last azimuth
332.45°
Last elevation
37°
Brightness and color
Stellar Magnitude
-22
Color
White
Concurrent Sound
Observation
No
Remarks
-
Delayed Sound
Observation
No
Remarks
-
Persistent train
Observation
Yes
Duration
1s
Length
8°
Remarks
Distinct glowing particles that color-shifted from yellow to orange before disappearing.
Terminal flash
Observation
Yes
Remarks
White light doubled in size before fading away.
Fragmentation
Observation
Yes
Remarks
Similar fragments as with the trail, but faded more quickly.
