Reports Report 8175c (Event 8175-2020)

This report has been linked to the following event: Event 8175-2020
Observer
NameDan S
Experience Level3/5
RemarksThis was observed from the pilot seat flying a cargo aircraft approaching Dulles International Airport, the aircraft was descending through 12,000’. We were on a north easterly heading. The object was spotted at about our 10 o’clock position high in the sky and traveled left to right. Initially some fragments separated but a single burning object continued and disappeared around our 3 o’clock position. The object appeared to continue back towards space because it did not appear to descend towards earth. I would say perhaps the object appeared to skip off the atmosphere. There was nearly a full moon (sky was bright) and clear. The duration of visibility was probably 5 seconds.
Location
AddressManassas, VA
Latitude38° 43' 32.72'' N (38.73°)
Longitude 77° 30' 43.35'' W (-77.51°)
Elevation56.17m
Time and Duration
Local Date & Time2020-12-29 03:20 EST
UT Date & Time2020-12-29 08:20 UT
Duration≈3.5s
Direction
Moving directionFrom up left to down right
Descent Angle94°
Moving
Facing azimuth16.76°
First azimuth315.36°
First elevation70°
Last azimuth81.18°
Last elevation70°
Brightness and color
Stellar Magnitude-9
ColorOrange, Yellow
Concurrent Sound
ObservationUnknown
Remarks-
Delayed Sound
ObservationUnknown
Remarks-
Persistent train
ObservationNo
Duration-
Length-
Remarks-
Terminal flash
ObservationNo
Remarks-
Fragmentation
ObservationYes
RemarksInitially there was some fragments, ultimately it continued as a single point