[meteorite-list] Meteorites 101

[Chris Peterson]

Note, however, that the IAU defines "fireball" but is silent about "bolide". 
So if the context demands some precision, "bolide" is best avoided.

Chris

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


----- Original Message ----- 
From: "Sterling K. Webb" <sterling_k_webb at sbcglobal.net>
To: "Chris Peterson" <clp at alumni.caltech.edu>; 
<Meteorite-list at meteoritecentral.com>
Sent: Saturday, January 15, 2011 8:04 PM
Subject: Re: [meteorite-list] Meteorites 101


> Bolidc:
>
> The term  was first used, in the French language, in 1834.
> The French is derived from classical Latin bolis (generally bolidis),
> fiery meteor, originally from the classical Greek, βολις, missile, arrow,
> or flash of lightning, akin to ballein, to throw.
>
> Definition: a brilliant meteor with a magnitude exceeding -4,
> especially one that explodes; a very bright fireball. Most dictionary
> definitions mention explosion or fragmentation.
>
>
> Sterling K. Webb