This report has been linked to the following event: Event 886-2016
Observer
Name
Rachel O
Experience Level
1/5
Remarks
I was driving home and all of a sudden this fireball with a tail appeared in my front windshield going over me but to the left of the highway. It looked just like a shooting star but was so big and so close. It was traveling faster than me. I could see it above the tree line and was thinking omg this is going to catch something on fire. But as it got closer to the ground it flashed and fizzled out all of a sudden. I could see sparks and smoke before the light went out. It scared me to death. I couldn't believe what I just saw. It was so close. It seemed to be 30ish feet to the left of the highway but traveling about the same direction as I was. It was traveling in a rounded line just like a shooting star would be with a tail. The craziest thing I have ever seen.
Location
Address
Alton, MO
Latitude
36° 42' 48.08'' N (36.71°)
Longitude
91° 19' 50.61'' W (-91.33°)
Elevation
293.92m
Time and Duration
Local Date & Time
2016-03-04 22:52 CST
UT Date & Time
2016-03-05 04:52 UT
Duration
≈3.5s
Direction
Moving direction
From up left to down right
Descent Angle
101°
Moving
Facing azimuth
281.84°
First azimuth
273.53°
First elevation
17°
Last azimuth
274.22°
Last elevation
9°
Brightness and color
Stellar Magnitude
-20
Color
White
Concurrent Sound
Observation
No
Remarks
-
Delayed Sound
Observation
No
Remarks
-
Persistent train
Observation
No
Duration
-
Length
-
Remarks
-
Terminal flash
Observation
Yes
Remarks
When it got almost to the tree line it flashed and fizzled out. As it was fizziling out I could see smoke and sparks. This all happend so fast
