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Astronomy/1996 Meteor
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Question
Dear Steven:
Is there anyway to verify that I did see a meteor during an April afternoon in 1996? It looked just like a big ball of fire traveling downward which then dissipated. I know, pretty no frills. What organization can I contact? Do records go back this far? At the time, I lived in Willingboro, NJ. Maybe the Franklin Institute or Academy of Natural Sciences can help...they are both located in Philly. I know I seem freaky, but I will always remember it. Thanks for your time- Amy
Amy:
I have looked at many meteor observation reports, but most detailed ones only go back to 2004.
There is a Meteor shower each April, and it is POSSIBLE that a daytime meteor could have graced the skies.
If you contact the Franklyn Institute, ask for the Fels Planetarium Director Derrick Pitts. Tell him that I told you to contact him. If anyone in your area has any insight to this, it would be Derrick.
Steve
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| Rating(1-10) | Knowledgeability = 10 | Clarity of Response = 10 | Politeness = 10 |
| Comment | Steve: Thanks for the info. Man, I wish somebody else saw this...the only other witness was my dog! Thanks for the contact info, also. You're a big help. I will contact you some other time @ something else I saw. Warmly, Amy | ||
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Answers by Expert:
Steven LJ Russo
Expertise
As a space science educator in a planetarium, my work centers around teaching people about the night sky and the solar system. I have a strong background in those areas, plus the history of NASA and spaceflight, and meteorology.
Experience
Experience in the area. I have been an amateur astronomer for 47 years, and have been teachng space science in planetariums for 34 years. For 15 years I was a radio and television meteorologist, and for the past 20 years I have been a space science writer for two newspapers in New York State. I am a member of the Middle Atlantic Planetarium Society and the International Planetarium Society. I have had a number of articles published in several astronomy journals, including "The Constellation" and the "Planetarian". Education/Credentials. I hold a B. S. from Wagner College and an M. S. from State University of New York at Oswego. Awards and Honors. I have been awarded the "Fellows" award from the International Planetarium Society for more than 20 years of continuous service in the planetarium field.
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