[meteorite-list] Why Meteorites Are Unlikely To Cause Fires

From: Kevin Fly Hill <khill_at_meteoritecentral.com>
Date: Thu Apr 22 10:28:36 2004
Message-ID: <001d01c39e79$e9b090c0$6d00a8c0_at_coxinternet.com>

I think what Ron (in a most outstanding presentation) may not have made
clear, is that the "shockwave" pattern that exists during initial entry to
the atmosphere, ceases to exist once the meteor slows to a "falling"
velocity. And only exists for a few seconds at most. This cessation of
"shockwave" happens at varying altitudes based on the angle of entry, size
of object, whether object remains intact, initial velocity, etc... Usually
this happens very high up (??9 to 12 miles +??), leaving plenty of time
during the "falling" period for a combination of air flow and the meteors
internal lack of heat [coldness?] to cause the surface to obtain a less than
"room temperature" effect. ie. Burnt, but Cool when it lands.

But how 'bout a good size chunk of cometary material with methane catching
fire??? Still too cold I bet or just vaporizing like Tunkusga?

I say all this like I know what I am talking about which I don't. Can some
science guy out there correct me?
----- Original Message -----
From: "Marcia Swanson" <MJSOfArc_at_webtv.net>
Could it be that the shockwave, not the meteorite fragments, itself could
> create under the right climate ( hot dry) the ability to generate enough
> heat to ignite combustible earth matter?
Received on Wed 29 Oct 2003 07:08:12 PM PST