[meteorite-list] Exploding Fireball in New Zealand Proves a Mystery

From: Ron Baalke <baalke_at_meteoritecentral.com>
Date: Tue, 30 Jan 2007 10:48:21 -0800 (PST)
Message-ID: <200701301848.KAA17286_at_zagami.jpl.nasa.gov>

http://www.stuff.co.nz/stuff/waikatotimes/3945431a6579.html

Exploding fireball proves a mystery
Waikato Times (New Zealand)
30 January 2007

Was it a bird? Was it a plane? Was it a bird striking a plane?

The exploding fireball which reportedly crashed to earth in or around
Lake Waikare, near Te Kauwhata, on Sunday afternoon has so far proved a
mystery.

It might have been the most exciting event to occur in Te Kauwhata since
the last police booze sting, but witness Grace Walters could only
conclude it was "one of those things".

The Rescue Co-ordination Centre New Zealand was alerted after
eyewitnesses saw a ball of flames going down over the lake and heard an
explosion.

However, after helicopters and rescue boats searched the area and fire
services talked to farmers with nearby properties the search was called
off.

"I saw it drop down, but couldn't see it hit the water for the trees,"
Mrs Walters said. "It's one of those things - a mystery."

No aircraft had been reported overdue and police had not received calls
from anyone missing friends or family.

Steve Calveley, president of the Auckland Astronomical Society, said it
could have been a meteorite. "An awful lot get reported but few get
found," he said. "It is pretty rare that someone can pinpoint where they
land."
Received on Tue 30 Jan 2007 01:48:21 PM PST