Reports Report 5778e (Event 5778-2018)

This report has been linked to the following event: Event 5778-2018
Observer
NameDavid P
Experience Level3/5
RemarksI am an EMS helicopter pilot. I was flying from Texas Medical Center to KDWH Airport and I observed the meteor coming towards me. The meteor was very bright, I thought it could be an approaching airplane until I saw the train. The meteor continued towards me, passed overhead, and then continued to the South. I turned the helicopter to continue observing it but lost sight of it because it passed directly overhead and I couldn't turn the aircraft sharp enough to follow it.
Location
AddressHouston, TX
Latitude29° 51' 41.88'' N (29.86°)
Longitude 95° 32' 37.42'' W (-95.54°)
Elevation29.29m
Time and Duration
Local Date & Time2018-12-26 05:08 CST
UT Date & Time2018-12-26 11:08 UT
Duration≈7.5s
Direction
Moving directionFrom up right to down left
Descent Angle261°
Moving
Facing azimuth338°
First azimuth350°
First elevation45°
Last azimuth180°
Last elevation60°
Brightness and color
Stellar Magnitude-12
ColorWhite
Concurrent Sound
ObservationNo
Remarks-
Delayed Sound
ObservationNo
Remarks-
Persistent train
ObservationYes
Duration8s
Length10°
RemarksThe train was half the brightness of the fireball and was orange-ish in color. The train followed the fireball until it went out of view.
Terminal flash
ObservationNo
Remarks-
Fragmentation
ObservationYes
RemarksYou could see the train had separations in it as it was coming apart and burning up.