Count Deiro,
Nicely stated. And, about the only thing I can say in reply is that I agree totally with all your information. It goes along with everything I have ever read on the subject. My point was that just because a meteor doesn't luminesce like the moon on it's way overhead doesn't mean it won't still make it down. I'm not necessarily arguing with Mr. Moore's statement, just adding my thoughts to it. The quick little flash in the night sky might still end up making a 'tink' sound on some metal roof a little while later.

Hope you don't mind if I archive your response. II thought your list of factors and variables was most inclusive.
Thanks
Mike

On Sep 4, 2009, at 4:09 PM, countde...@earthlink.net wrote:


Hi Mike and all the PHD's here on the List,

The factors that determine the success of a meteor/comet/space junk journey through the atmosphere are many and they interact infintely. They include, but are not limited to, the object's size, weight, shape, composition and structural integrity, the orientation of the entry in relation to the rotational direction and orbit of the Earth, the object's cosmic velocity and the angle and location of the point of entry vis a vis atmospheric density due to geographic location, seasonal changes and current weather. The altitude and type of surface, along with the existence, or lack thereof, of natural or man made obstructions at the impact point. These factors are obviously interelated and variable. I'm not aware of any model that would graph the percentage of success using all these data.

If one had a large, slow moving, nickel iron meteor, entering at a shallow angle and chasing the upstream side of the planet over the antartic sea in December, I would opine it would have a very high probability of making a bolide, boom and a splash.

Looking up!

Count Deiro




-----Original Message-----
From: Michael Murray <mmur...@montrose.net>
Sent: Sep 4, 2009 3:52 PM
To: Meteorites USA <e...@meteoritesusa.com>
Cc: "meteorite-list@meteoritecentral.com" <meteorite-list@meteoritecentral.com >
Subject: Re: [meteorite-list] Fireball: Huge Explosion Over Ireland

Eric, and List,
Mr. Moore was quoted as saying: "If it's brighter than the full moon
then there's a chance that part of it survived and landed," he said.

I'm not sold on the idea that size(read that same as brightness in
this report) is the most relative factor in survival. I tend to think
speed and angle of entry play the bigger role in how fast a stone
burns up.  Wouldn't a small meteor have the same chance, as a big
meteor given the right speed and angle of entry?  A small, say 1"
meteor, may only burn for about 1/4 to 1/2 second  versus a football
size may burn for 5 seconds or longer.
Mike in CO



On Sep 4, 2009, at 12:22 PM, Meteorites USA wrote:

Big Fireball,

BBC News: http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/uk_news/northern_ireland/8239188.stm

-------------------------------------------

http://www.google.com/hostednews/ukpress/article/ALeqM5j4nvh5fP8c_EmrXN2HMO0iDzv9Zg

Astronomers in search of meteorite

(UKPA) – 1 hour ago

Astronomers are on the trail of a meteorite after a massive
explosion over Ireland.

The fireball, said to burn as bright as the full moon, was seen
flashing across the country on Wednesday night. Astronomy Ireland
said the suspected meteor was spotted from Valentia Island,
Skibbereen, west Cork to Cavan and further north in Raphoe, Co
Donegal. Chairman David Moore believes it may have ditched in the
Atlantic.

"If it's brighter than the full moon then there's a chance that part
of it survived and landed," he said.

Copyright © 2009 The Press Association. All rights reserved.

------------------------------------------

Regards,
Eric Wichman
Meteorites USA
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