Never seen anything like it. Thought it was a rocket launched firework, not no idea where it would have come from. Fireworks are illegal in Montgomery County and post blizzard...no special events in the area. Confirmed sighting with others in area. Unusual sight for suburban Washington. Very cool!!! FIREBALL!
Location
Address
Rockville, MD
Latitude
39° 4' 8.75'' N (39.069098°)
Longitude
77° 7' 39.28'' W (-77.127578°)
Elevation
120.862m
Time and Duration
Local Date & Time
2016-01-30 18:03 EST
UT Date & Time
2016-01-30 23:03 UT
Duration
≈3.5s
Direction
Moving direction
From down left to up right
Descent Angle
75°
Moving
Facing azimuth
317.45°
First azimuth
5.12°
First elevation
19°
Last azimuth
290.11°
Last elevation
14°
Brightness and color
Stellar Magnitude
-28
Color
Light Blue, Orange, Yellow, White
Concurrent Sound
Observation
Unknown
Remarks
-
Delayed Sound
Observation
No
Remarks
-
Persistent train
Observation
Yes
Duration
2s
Length
40°
Remarks
Glowing train. Went from bright ball of light and then fizzled into a train of "sparks" that followed. Appeared to be smoke from my recollection. Appeared as though "fire" went out once it began to ascend.
Terminal flash
Observation
Yes
Remarks
Bright ball of white "fire" that burst into small specs of fire that followed in same trajectory. (perhaps fragmentation?)
