Reports Report 3438e (Event 3438-2013)

Observer
Name Ryan V
Experience Level 2/5
Remarks I was driving north on the interstate and saw this beyond the hills that limited my view. I initially thought it was fireworks, but it clearly was not. it was a red glowing object with a yellow halo and tail that was falling nearly straight down (it was angled slightly to the west as it fell). It disappeared behind the hills and I expected to see an explosion but did not. It was dark out, so the glowing was vivid, but I could not tell if it left a contrail. It is difficult for me to tell how large/far away it was, but it disappeared behind the hills, and I estimate that it was the size of a small car... but I know things often appear larger than they actually are in situations like this. Based on Google maps, the hills it disappeared behind were 6-10 miles away from me when I saw it.
Location
Address Sioux City, IA
Latitude 42° 24' 19.49'' N (42.405413°)
Longitude 96° 21' 59.21'' W (-96.366447°)
Elevation 336.652283m
Time and Duration
Local Date & Time 2013-12-27 23:00 CST
UT Date & Time 2013-12-28 05:00 UT
Duration ≈1.5s
Direction
Moving direction From up to down
Descent Angle 180°
Moving
Facing azimuth 5.54°
First azimuth 5.54°
First elevation 21°
Last azimuth 5.54°
Last elevation -
Brightness and color
Stellar Magnitude -20
Color Yellow, Red
Concurrent Sound
Observation No
Remarks -
Delayed Sound
Observation No
Remarks -
Persistent train
Observation No
Duration -
Length -
Remarks -
Terminal flash
Observation No
Remarks -
Fragmentation
Observation No
Remarks -