This event is the most spectacular I've seen in my over 50 years of being a sky watcher. I've observed Halley in NZ and Hale Bop from Borneo; both very disappointing compared to this.
It was exhilarating to see. A real adrenalin rush.
My wife and I were in our hot tub in the garden as we do most nights, when the event occured; she has confirmed my observations just reported.
In the past I have taught astronomy at secondary school level and now a recently retired teacher.
Location
Address
, England (GB)
Latitude
52° 11' 19.91'' N (52.188865°)
Longitude
0° 8' 48.43'' W (0.146785°)
Elevation
12.236132m
Time and Duration
Local Date & Time
2017-08-15 22:30 BST
UT Date & Time
2017-08-15 21:30 UT
Duration
≈1.5s
Direction
Moving direction
From up right to down left
Descent Angle
253°
Moving
Facing azimuth
98.72°
First azimuth
30°
First elevation
35°
Last azimuth
320°
Last elevation
25°
Brightness and color
Stellar Magnitude
-7
Color
Dark Purple, Purple, Pink
Concurrent Sound
Observation
No
Remarks
-
Delayed Sound
Observation
No
Remarks
-
Persistent train
Observation
Unknown
Duration
-
Length
-
Remarks
-
Terminal flash
Observation
Yes
Remarks
Red white purple colours much brighter than the trail preceding. Appeared to explode. There may have been smoke after the sudden 'poof'
