We were camping and it was witnessed by many people in different areas of the grounds. The entire area lit up sort of like lightning would do but it was a huge fireball that broke up in the end. I have seen shooting stars before but never have I seen anything like that. It was amazing.
Location
Address
Winchester, VA
Latitude
39° 17' 30.15'' N (39.291708°)
Longitude
78° 14' 16.13'' W (-78.237815°)
Elevation
180.627884m
Time and Duration
Local Date & Time
2013-05-18 00:30 EDT
UT Date & Time
2013-05-18 04:30 UT
Duration
≈3.5s
Direction
Moving direction
From left to right
Descent Angle
90°
Moving
Facing azimuth
348.53°
First azimuth
324.62°
First elevation
90°
Last azimuth
309.95°
Last elevation
60°
Brightness and color
Stellar Magnitude
-20
Color
Blue, Green, Orange
Concurrent Sound
Observation
No
Remarks
Delayed Sound
Observation
Yes
Remarks
a loud boom, kind of like thunder or a cannon firing approximately 1 minute later
(it seemed like a long time). It was a surprise to hear it so long after.
Persistent train
Observation
Yes
Duration
3.5s
Length
30°
Remarks
There was a glowing white train
Terminal flash
Observation
Unknown
Remarks
-
Fragmentation
Observation
Yes
Remarks
It broke into about 7 smaller fireballs, then disappeared over a mountain.
