This was probably one of the most amazing "episode" I've ever witnessed. I was driving when it happened and it took me by surprise. I kept driving and watched it disappear behind the mountains.
Location
Address
Pikeville, TN
Latitude
35° 39' 50.57'' N (35.664048°)
Longitude
85° 13' 47.27'' W (-85.229798°)
Elevation
528.076m
Time and Duration
Local Date & Time
2017-04-12 19:50 CDT
UT Date & Time
2017-04-13 00:50 UT
Duration
≈20s
Direction
Moving direction
From up right to down left
Descent Angle
243°
Moving
Facing azimuth
118.83°
First azimuth
217.34°
First elevation
65°
Last azimuth
48.85°
Last elevation
1°
Brightness and color
Stellar Magnitude
-12
Color
White
Concurrent Sound
Observation
Unknown
Remarks
-
Delayed Sound
Observation
Unknown
Remarks
-
Persistent train
Observation
Yes
Duration
7s
Length
20°
Remarks
The train stayed attached to the fireball for several seconds then detached from the fireball, but the train stayed visible for about 7-8 seconds before disappearing.
Terminal flash
Observation
No
Remarks
-
Fragmentation
Observation
Yes
Remarks
The fireball itself did not fragment; just the train from the fireball after a few seconds
