Reports Report 331p (Event 331-2012)

Observer
Name Michael
Experience Level 4/5
Remarks I was driving slowly on the exit ramp. It was very bright as soon as it appeared at the top of the windshield; got brighter as it approached the horizon (trees) and seemed to explode shortly before I lost it in the trees. I\'ve been viewing meteors for over 40 years; the trajectory and speed made me think it might be a missile! Probably the brightest fireball I\'ve ever seen.
Location
Address West Hempstead, NY
Latitude 40° 42' 17.37'' N (40.704824°)
Longitude 73° 39' 0.47'' W (-73.65013°)
Elevation -
Time and Duration
Local Date & Time 2012-03-05 19:55 EST
UT Date & Time 2012-03-06 00:55 UT
Duration ≈7.5s
Direction
Moving direction From up to down
Descent Angle 180°
Moving
Facing azimuth 315°
First azimuth 315°
First elevation -1°
Last azimuth 315°
Last elevation -1°
Brightness and color
Stellar Magnitude -9
Color bluish white (through tin
Concurrent Sound
Observation No
Remarks -
Delayed Sound
Observation No
Remarks Car windows were closed with music on.
Persistent train
Observation Unknown
Duration -1s
Length -1°
Remarks -
Terminal flash
Observation No
Remarks -
Fragmentation
Observation No
Remarks -