< Back to Volume 7, Number 4
Volume 7: Number 4: Article 1
Progress in Explaining the Mysterious Sounds Produced by Very Large Meteor Fireballs
Colin S. L. Keay, Department of Physics, University of Newcastle,
N.S.W., Australia
Strange sounds, heard simultaneously with the sighting of brilliant
meteor fireballs many tens of kilometers distant, have been an enigma
for more than two centuries. The term "electrophonic sounds" is now
widely used to describe them and distinguish them from the normal sonic
effects heard after the fireball has passed by. A physically viable
explanation for meteor fireball electrophonic sounds has been developed
and verified by observation and experiment. The history of this neglected
branch of meteor science is presented in some detail, drawing attention
to the difficulties which stood in the way of a solution until fairly
recently.
To purchase back issues contact Allen Marketing & Management: 1-800-627-0629
