[meteorite-list] ANOTHER QUESTION

[Chris Peterson]

I never use the term "bolide" (and discourage its use) since it has no 
formal definition. Generally, it is used synonymously with fireball, 
often with the added distinction that fragmentation is visible. Whether 
you call them fireballs or bolides, however, it's likely that very few 
actually produce meteorites. And those that do start large, are 
traveling slowly, and enter at a shallow angle. The first two 
requirements pretty much eliminate cometary debris that causes meteor 
showers.

Chris

*****************************************
Chris L Peterson
Cloudbait Observatory
http://www.cloudbait.com


----- Original Message ----- 
From: "Gerald Flaherty" <grf2 at verizon.net>
To: "Chris Peterson" <clp at alumni.caltech.edu>; 
<meteorite-list at meteoritecentral.com>
Sent: Sunday, November 19, 2006 5:40 PM
Subject: Re: [meteorite-list] ANOTHER QUESTION


> "fireballs virtually never hit the ground."
> Aren't bolides a fireballs too? And if so?
> Jerry Flaherty