Note, however, that the IAU defines "fireball" but is silent about "bolide".
So if the context demands some precision, "bolide" is best avoided.
Chris
*****************************************
Chris L Peterson
Cloudbait Observatory
http://www.cloudbait.com
----- Original Message -----
From: "Sterling K. Webb" <[email protected]>
To: "Chris Peterson" <[email protected]>;
<[email protected]>
Sent: Saturday, January 15, 2011 8:04 PM
Subject: Re: [meteorite-list] Meteorites 101
Bolidc:
The term was first used, in the French language, in 1834.
The French is derived from classical Latin bolis (generally bolidis),
fiery meteor, originally from the classical Greek, βολις, missile, arrow,
or flash of lightning, akin to ballein, to throw.
Definition: a brilliant meteor with a magnitude exceeding -4,
especially one that explodes; a very bright fireball. Most dictionary
definitions mention explosion or fragmentation.
Sterling K. Webb
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