Micrometeorite caught on camera in Oklahoma?

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around a video capturing a flying object in Oklahoma, with participants debating whether it is a micrometeorite or possibly a lens flare. The scope includes conceptual analysis of meteors and their characteristics, as well as interpretations of the video evidence.

Discussion Character

  • Debate/contested
  • Conceptual clarification

Main Points Raised

  • One participant notes that a meteorite is only termed as such after it has landed, while it is still a meteor during flight, questioning the classification of the object in the video.
  • Another participant argues that meteors typically do not glow all the way to the ground unless they are very large, suggesting that the object in the video does not fit this description.
  • A different participant proposes that the motion of the object does not align with typical meteor behavior, suggesting it may be a lens flare from another light source.
  • Concerns are raised about the credibility of local professors who claimed it was likely a meteor, with one participant highlighting their limited expertise in the relevant fields.
  • Reference is made to a source stating that most meteors cease to burn and fall dark from altitudes between 5 to 20 km, implying that the object appeared to be much lower before going dark.
  • One participant expresses uncertainty about reaching out to a PhD-level astrophysicist, leaning towards the idea that it was likely a lens flare or reflection.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants do not reach a consensus; multiple competing views remain regarding the nature of the object in the video, with some supporting the lens flare theory and others suggesting it could be a meteor.

Contextual Notes

Participants express uncertainty about the definitions and characteristics of meteors versus meteorites, as well as the qualifications of those providing interpretations of the video.

mp3car
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http://www.koco.com/news/flying-object-caught-on-koco-5-news-in-the-morning/31751658
 
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hi
interesting video

firstly, just for your info ... a meteorite is only that after it has hit the ground, whilst in flight, its still a meteor

secondly ... don't know if you could call this a meteor. Meteors are not known for glowing all the way to the ground unless they are really massive
the "burning up" phase for all others takes place high in the atmosphere, 50 ++ km

I really don't know what has been captured there on video, but I seriously doubt that it was a meteor

Dave
 
The lens flare explanation in the comments there looks very reasonable. Some moving light source somewhere else got seen by the camera.

The motion does not fit to a meteor.
 
I later found a video where two local professors claimed it was likely a meteor... HOWEVER, those professors are not very well accredited to be weighing in on this subject; one holds a BS in Meteorology (ironically, doesn't make them an expert on meteors, despite the name), and the other one appears to have only taught 1000 and 2000 level math courses like college algebra and calc I...

I found this, which agrees exactly with what Dave said... "All but the largest meteors (like the one that formed Meteor Crater) quit burning and fall dark from an altitude of from 5 to 20 km (3.2 to 12.4 miles)." So... Even choosing the low end, this "appeared" to get much closer to the ground than 5km before going dark.
Item number 48A on http://meteorites.wustl.edu/realities.htm which links to: http://www.meteoritemarket.com/metid2.htm

Perhaps I'll reach out to a PhD-level astrophysicist at a reputable university, but probably shouldn't waste their time, I think you guys are right - it most likely was a lens flare/reflection of some kind...
 

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