Reports Report 1479bc (Event 1479-2023)

This report has been linked to the following event: Event 1479-2023
Observer
NameLaura A
Experience Level3/5
RemarksIt was really incredible. I watch Perseids every year and always look up when I go outside at night. This meteor started in my vision as a bright ball. My initial thought (lasting half second) was an airplane on approach to Luke AFB but quickly realized it was too bright and too big and then immediately after that the tail formed and I watched it fly unhurriedly across the sky from NW to due east. The tail was brighter and more distinct (with a few degrees behind the ball always illuminated) than any I had seen. Just as I started to wonder if it would stay bright and hit someone, it got less smooth-looking in the ball and looked more like embers and then poof.
Location
AddressSurprise, AZ
Latitude33° 38' 30.02'' N (33.64°)
Longitude 112° 22' 28.19'' W (-112.37°)
Elevation371.46m
Time and Duration
Local Date & Time2023-03-08 18:54 MST
UT Date & Time2023-03-09 01:54 UT
Duration≈3.5s
Direction
Moving directionFrom up left to down right
Descent Angle103°
Moving
Facing azimuth23.2°
First azimuth345.58°
First elevation62°
Last azimuth45.47°
Last elevation21°
Brightness and color
Stellar Magnitude-11
ColorYellow/orange
Concurrent Sound
ObservationNo
Remarks-
Delayed Sound
ObservationNo
Remarks-
Persistent train
ObservationYes
Duration3.5s
Length45°
RemarksThe most amazing shooting star I have seen. Very bright with a clear tail that was visible for a few degrees behind the ball. At first the fireball was bright but smooth but as it dropped toward the horizon there was more intense color and it became more fiery.
Terminal flash
ObservationYes
RemarksAs it dropped toward the horizon there was more intense color and it became more fiery. Just as I started to realize that if it didn’t fizzle soon, someone might get hurt, there seemed to be particles in the ball and then it broke up.
Fragmentation
ObservationYes
RemarksThe fireball went from smooth to fiery with noticeable fragments or particles but still in a ball until the final half second when those particles fizzled.