[meteorite-list] NPA 12-27-1953 La Paz Seeks Data on Christmas Fireball

[MARK BOSTICK]

Paper: Valley Morning Star
City: Harlingen, Texas
Date: Sunday, December 27, 1953
Page: 16

Expert on Meteorites Seeks Data on Fireball in Laredo

     ALBURQUERQUE, N.M. Dec. 28 - (UP) - Dr. Lincoln La Paz, the "Mr. 
Fireball" of the Southwest, went to Laredo, Tex., Saturday to investigate a 
"greenish" meteorite which fell somewhere north of Laredo with "terrific 
concussion."
     La Paz, head of the University of Mexico's unique Institute of 
Meteoritics, said the fireball compared with the famed yellow-green fireball 
of Jan. 30, 1949, which sped from north to south over West Texas.
     Texans living more than 360 miles apart reported seeing the fireball, 
La Paz said, which fell about 6:45 a.m. Friday.
     The "terrific concussion" of the fireball's shock wave broke several 
windows in Laredo, La Paz reported.
     La Paz termed "Mr. Fireball" in a recent (Saturday Evening Post) 
magazine article, said Callahan, Texas, rancher Joe Finley reported hearing 
two explosions "like deep mine blasts." Finley, who lives about 20 north of 
Laredo, said he heard a deep rumbling to the northwest after the blasts, 
according to La Paz.
     Another report came from Maj. J. McCann, headquarters air reserve, 
Austin. La Paz said. He quoted McCann as saying he was blinded by the light 
of the "ball of fire" while hunting deer some 40 miles north of Laredo.
     La Paz quoted a Light, Tex., ranch owner, George Light, as saying he 
"thought an atomic bomb had exploded." He said Light rushed out of his house 
and heard a roaring which continued for about three minutes.
     Other reports of the fireball came from Big Spring, Abilene, 
Sweetwater, San Antonio and Corpus Christi, La Paz said.

(end)


Clear Skies,
Mark Bostick

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