Saw event at a location near OSU airport and initially thought the bright light coming into view was a light on a medical helicopter. Less than a second later the reddish-orange fireball flew past with what looked like red/orange "embers" trailing behind. At the time I was facing due North and the fireball came across the sky from the East heading West. Within a couple of seconds after coming into view it appeared to explode and disappear.
Location
Address
Worthington, OH
Latitude
40° 5' 15.37'' N (40.087604°)
Longitude
83° 2' 44.63'' W (-83.04573°)
Elevation
250.31691m
Time and Duration
Local Date & Time
2024-01-17 19:30 EST
UT Date & Time
2024-01-18 00:30 UT
Duration
≈3.5s
Direction
Moving direction
From up right to down left
Descent Angle
261°
Moving
Facing azimuth
-
First azimuth
355.04°
First elevation
-
Last azimuth
275.25°
Last elevation
-
Brightness and color
Stellar Magnitude
-4
Color
red orange white
Concurrent Sound
Observation
Unknown
Remarks
-
Delayed Sound
Observation
No
Remarks
-
Persistent train
Observation
No
Duration
-
Length
-
Remarks
-
Terminal flash
Observation
Yes
Remarks
Meteor's train was fragmenting as it crossed my visual path. It appeared to get much brighter right before disappearing from sight.
Fragmentation
Observation
Yes
Remarks
Train appeared to be fragmenting. It was not solid but consisted of bright fragmented pieces flowing off the rear of the fireball.