NUFORC Sighting 32909

Occurred: 2003-11-05 20:26 Local
Reported: 2003-11-06 13:14 Pacific
Duration: 1 - 2 seconds
No of observers: 2

Location: Granite Falls, WA, USA

Shape: Fireball
Characteristics: Left a trail, Emitted other objects

Brilliant green fireball was seen falling and trailing debris near Mt. Pilchuck

My daughter and I were northbound on Mountain Loop Highway near Granite Falls Middle School when we observed a large, brilliant green fireball fall into view through the windshield. Burning debris was visible breaking away from the main fireball. A slight trail was seen. The fireball either burned out, but did not break up, or was obscured by Mt. Pilchuck.

Fireball was first seen 30-40 degrees above horizon and traveled in a path about 20 degrees from vertical. No sound was heard. The color was so brilliant that we first thought it was fireworks. Apparent diameter half that of #2 pencil held at arms length viewed end-on.

I contacted a rifle range that is located in the direction of where the fireball was observed and verified that no signal flares were fired. I contacted Snohomish County Search and Rescue and the Granite Falls Police Department and no reports of signal flares were received by either agency.

I am a beginner amateur astronomer and avid aircraft enthusiast with 25 years experience in technical field. My daughter is a 16 year old student.

NUFORC Note:

Several reports received of this incident. We suspect that it was a meteor, but that is only a guess. PD

Posted 2003-11-08