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Remarks |
Initially, I thought (2:11 AM EST) that this was a small plane in trouble. Darn TV (to the right of the window) was ON & loud. I am ~760 feet elevation. My window was 6 - 8” open (fresh air) and faves SSW. Wachusett Mountain, in Westminster, MA is nearly straight ahead one “crow flies” mile away. Vid ability wasn’t great, perhaps 8-10 miles. I did not see the usual maintenance lights on the mountain, nor did I notice the moon (which was supposed to be ~90% full). This enormous bright white entity (maybe a bit wedged shaped, not round and no perceptible tail) was totally captivating. No alcohol, mushrooms or drugs involved. TV (21”) was on, I was leaning down on pillows, so my view was a bit more SSW than looking straight out window. I realized it was likely a meteoric phenomenon after logically ruling out a small aircraft and nearly phoning our regional airport. But not orange, not flaming. But a white hot mass, low on the horizon. And it seemed very very close.
I look out my rear-facing 28’ high windows every evening. I am a logical, science loving, rational (well, usually) evaluating person. I have, in the past taken weather, astronomy, physics, chemistry and geology classes. Loved chemistry, and got A’s in college chemistry. I love science, natural history and clear reasoning.
I projected my line of sight, or view onto a map and see that in the same line of direction is located the town of Westfield, MA and some Connecticut locations where some report seeing a “fireball” at about the same time. I am not sure of their specifics. This bright white mass that I saw (for only a few second) appeared to be descending towards the south (from my vantage point). The speed seemed to be consistent (my perception) with what one might expect from a small aircraft gliding downward. Somewhat slowly. Not any breakneck meteoric speed. My window, 28’ up, is about 34” across and 45” vertical viewing through glass area. I was leaning, angled a bit, but observed the white mass for about 3 to 3.5 seconds (so, it couldn’t have been moving at lightning speed, right?).
I’ve seen meteors from a distance, double rainbows, lightning too close and a moving end of a rainbow, but this bright mass took the prize.
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