The fireball was searingly bright, like a reflection of the sun from a mirror. I stand by my -20 magnitude estimate. Used iPhone compass to get exact angles and directions of observation.
Location
Address
Missoula, MT
Latitude
46° 51' 8.34'' N (46.852317°)
Longitude
113° 57' 50.5'' W (-113.964029°)
Elevation
1560.541016m
Time and Duration
Local Date & Time
2026-04-18 13:06 MDT
UT Date & Time
2026-04-18 19:06 UT
Duration
≈3.5s
Direction
Moving direction
From up right to down left
Descent Angle
251°
Moving
Facing azimuth
159°
First azimuth
176°
First elevation
17°
Last azimuth
8°
Last elevation
8°
Brightness and color
Stellar Magnitude
-20
Color
Yellow, White
Concurrent Sound
Observation
No
Remarks
-
Delayed Sound
Observation
No
Remarks
-
Persistent train
Observation
No
Duration
-
Length
-
Remarks
-
Terminal flash
Observation
No
Remarks
-
Fragmentation
Observation
Yes
Remarks
The last two seconds of travel the fireball slowed dramatically and broke into one bright piece and 4-6 smaller/dimmer pieces
