Greenland superbolide event of 1997 December 9

Abstract

Data on the trajectory and orbit of an extremely bright bolide (superbolide) over Greenland on 1997 December 9 are given, and circumstances of the phenomenon and its observations are described. A surveillance video camera and satellite-based records enabled computing the trajectory and orbit independently of visual sightings of casual observers. The superbolide body of about 36 000 kg penetrated the atmosphere with an initial velocity of 30.5 ± 1.7 km s-1. Its orbit was a long-period orbit and seems to be at variance with the low value of ablation coefficient (0.017 kg MJ-1) derived from modeling the atmospheric trajectory. However, such an event has been documented previously. Also the intensity and brevity of the satellite-detected light flares are highly unusual. The impact area of the main hypothetical remnant of the body is given. Search for meteorites was performed. No meteorites were recovered. Also analysis of snow samples gave no hint of meteoric dust.