Space Junk or Meteorite Falling From Sky

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San Juan Ron
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Space Junk or Meteorite Falling From Sky

Post by San Juan Ron »

Today, I was sitting on top of Redcloud Peak looking due east (maybe 1 PM) when what appeared to be a very large piece of space junk burning as it entered the atmosphere and eventually burned up prior to hitting earth. It was an amazing sight. Unfortunately, other 14ers members (Pika) and non-members did not see this while climbing. Did anyone else see this? I heard channel 9 news in Denver mention they suspended flights fighting the fires due to "debris or meteorites" -- something to that effect. But, there had to be others that saw this today. SJ Ron
tbjpro
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Re: Space Junk or Meteorite Falling From Sky

Post by tbjpro »

Wish I'd seen it but it looks like a lot did.. Take Care
http://www.amsmeteors.org/fireball2/public.php" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;
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San Juan Ron
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Re: Space Junk or Meteorite Falling From Sky

Post by San Juan Ron »

I was thinking that the Uncompahgre Wilderness water was starting to effect me.

Seriously, watching the very large (alleged) fireball meteorite from the vantage of Redcloud was an amazing experience. Although it lasted only a few seconds, it looked more like space junk burning up. Either way, a perfect day to hike Sunshine & Redcloud was topped off by witnessing something truly amazing.

Thanks for posting the link! SJ Ron
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prestone818
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Re: Space Junk or Meteorite Falling From Sky

Post by prestone818 »

Here we go... http://www.9news.com/news/article/27343 ... ing-planes" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;
Joanne Parkes
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Re: Space Junk or Meteorite Falling From Sky

Post by Joanne Parkes »

Several of our group spotted the meteor at the top of Phantom Terrace, near Veneable Peak also. The trajectory was from the northwest to the southeast. It was a brilliant white and then flamed out in a rainbow of colors. A very unexpected and awesome sight.
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Re: Space Junk or Meteorite Falling From Sky

Post by peter303 »

There are various astronomy groups like from the Denver Science Museum that try to track down fallen meteorites if possible. They can get some good tracks sometimes fromt he 360-degree sky-weather cameras around the state.
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Re: Space Junk or Meteorite Falling From Sky

Post by RobertPetrowsky »

People all over Eagle County saw it. I believe a piece landed somewhere just east of the Vail ski area.
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prestone818
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Re: Space Junk or Meteorite Falling From Sky

Post by prestone818 »

Wish I could of seen it. Did you hear anything?
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San Juan Ron
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Re: Space Junk or Meteorite Falling From Sky

Post by San Juan Ron »

No, I didn't hear anything (but the wind was blowing 30+ MPH on the peak which makes hearing much of any thing difficult). The object vaporized just prior to hitting earth and there was a simultaneous flash of light. I talked to the Denver Post, here is the article:

http://m.denverpost.com/denverpost/db_2 ... d=lAn8TuqW" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

You just never know what you might see while sitting on a 14k peak. SJ Ron
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prestone818
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Re: Space Junk or Meteorite Falling From Sky

Post by prestone818 »

That is true...I was on pikes peak a couple years ago and got buzzed by an f16.
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bonehead
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Re: Space Junk or Meteorite Falling From Sky

Post by bonehead »

Joanne Parkes wrote:top of Phantom Terrace, near Veneable Peak
I do not mean to hyjack the thread.
But late last year I noticed that a section of the trail was washing out.
Just below the pass, it took a good step over a bit of exposure.
I was wondering at the time if the Terrace trail would survive.
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Canadian in Colorado
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Re: Space Junk or Meteorite Falling From Sky

Post by Canadian in Colorado »

It was great to meet you yesterday Ron! Can't believe I missed seeing this :(
If you're lucky enough to live in the mountains...you're lucky enough.
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