Fireball, southern England, 2200-ish, 31st Dec

[John Warburton]

Hello,

This is a most inaccurate observation but, while at dinner last night, my girlfriend remarked that, out of the window, she could see a most unusual sight in the night sky.

At some time between 2130 and 2245 on Thursday December 31st over Woking, Surrey, England, we observed what appeared to be a bright (mag. -6 or brighter) fireball which moved from north to south-east, taking around three minutes to disappear from view. It was bright enough to shine clearly through the broken altocumulus cloud in the sky. The only colour was orange. Around 30s into viewing it, it appeared to break into two, with one of the glowing pieces 'falling' rapidly from the fireball and vanishing from view within about 10s.

The time is very inaccurate, I'm afraid.

Did anyone see this?

[Beyond_Vision]

Most likely to be Chinese Lanterns. It's certainly not a meteor.

[John Warburton]

Oh! I must walk about with my eyes closed -- never heard of such things being sold, but have just found several web-pages offering them for sale. Aren't these things dangerous if anywhere near an aircraft?

Oh well...

[John Mckay]

Have a look at yahoo answers, type astronomy to the search box Yahoo! Answers UK - Ask Questions & Get Answers On Any Topic then click on a link for astronomy & space under whatever first question appears. There was so many questions about the same thing all over the UK over the last few weeks, orange balls in the sky. Most people dont think it was lanterns, who knows tho. Ive not read enough into it yet.

[Beyond_Vision]

They are quite common of late, people let them off at parties etc. There would have been lots let off last night. They could be dangerous in dry weather if they land.

[Beyond_Vision]

Talk about coincidence I just looked out the window and saw a Chinese Lantern pass by

[lunator]

John

I was driving bcal last night and there were dozens of them.

They were all heading in a Southerly direction due to the wind.

Cheers

Ian