NUFORC Sighting 26718

Occurred: 2002-12-21 21:52 Local
Reported: 2002-12-21 21:07 Pacific
Duration: 4 - 5 seconds
No of observers: 2

Location: Sarasota, FL, USA

Shape: Fireball
Characteristics: Left a trail

Bright fireball travelling S - N leaving a trail

While on neighborhood security patrol we saw a very bright fireball travelling from south to north. It was a very clear night with a full moon. The fireball was leaving a trail. It caught our attention as soon as it passed directly overhead and was still very bright when we lost sight of it due to trees.

It looked similar to other Earth-grazer meteors I have seen, but lasted longer.

It was most likely a meteor, but I felt that it was worth reporting. I'm sure that many people driving on I-75 must have seen it.

((FOLLOW-UP COMMUNICATION))

Hi Peter,

If you want to update the report, my wife and I were talking about the object and think it may have lasted as long as 7 - 8 sec before losing sight of it.

I'm not a pilot at this time, but still hope to get licensed at some point. I made a career change last year that put flying on the back burner. I do fly R/C aircraft though and am currently building a 1/5th scale Cub.

Good luck on your search for a Cub!

Best regards, ((name deleted))

((END))

Posted 2002-12-23

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