Overview of the Event
On March 17, 2016, at 3:16:54 UT, a spectacular fireball meteor lit up the sky over the UK. This event, which lasted about four seconds, was witnessed by many and extensively reported to the UK Meteor Observation Network (UKMON).
Visual Observations
Observers from the UK, Netherlands, France, and Belgium reported the fireball, describing its brightness as surpassing a full moon, with many noting green and blue colors. Fragmentation and sonic effects were also reported. The International Meteor Organization (IMO) database logged 54 reports, with brightness estimates ranging from -10 to -25 magnitude.
Video Observations
UKMON recorded the fireball using cameras at multiple locations, including Clanfield, Church Crookham, Lockyer, Scotch Street, and Wilcot. These recordings provided valuable data for analyzing the meteor’s path.
Meteoroid Path and Characteristics
Data from several stations were used to calculate the meteoroid’s path through the solar system. The meteoroid’s geocentric speed before entering Earth’s gravitational field was 43.5 km/s. Its orbit was highly eccentric, indicating a cometary origin.
Detailed Path Calculation
| Parameter | Value |
|---|---|
| Semi-major axis (a) | 3.01 AU |
| Perihelion distance (q) | 0.048 AU |
| Eccentricity (e) | 0.984 |
| Inclination (i) | 18.3° |
| Argument of perihelion (ω) | 336.7° |
| Longitude of ascending node (Ω) | 356.7° |
The fireball’s atmospheric entry began near Lytchett Matravers, at an altitude of 112.7 km, and ended near Curbridge, at 38.3 km. The highest brightness was -14.7 magnitude, and the meteor traveled 141.3 km through the atmosphere.
Given the meteoroid’s high entry speed and terminal velocity, it is unlikely that any fragments survived to reach the ground. This event provided valuable data, contributing to our understanding of meteoric events and their origins.