NUFORC Sighting 31234

Occurred: 2003-09-04 20:30 Local
Reported: 2003-09-05 09:17 Pacific
Duration: 1 or 2 seonds
No of observers: 2

Location: Belmont, CA, USA

Shape: Fireball

Meteor like flaming ball, except much larger and closer in appearance.

This object looked similar to a meteor with the exception that it was much larger and appeared to be much closer. I have seen meteor showers in the past which look distant and rather small. This object looked like it was as close as an airplane would be. It was about the size of a walnut at that distance. It was a bright light with an orange glowing tail. It seemed to be moving across the horizon and downward and appeared for only for 1 to 2 seconds. I know this must be a meteor, but I don't understand how it could have been so large and appeared so close. I was startled by this sight, as I was riding as a passenger in a car driving down Ralston Ave. at approx 8 to 8:30 pm in Belmont, CA. The driver of the car also witnessed the event. I could not find any information on any meteors appearing in the local news today.

Posted 2003-09-09