Mysterious blue fireball streaks above Western Australia, puzzling astronomers

[admin]

Scientists aren't sure if space junk or a meteor caused a brilliant blue fireball seen across Western Australia.

Mysterious blue fireball streaks above Western Australia, puzzling astronomers : Read more

 

[Stephen J. Bauer]

Maybe not so mysterious - Just more space junk. A Blue Flame Indicates Complete Burning of Carbon Compounds. Also indicates possible fuel burn, as
Blue Flames Indicate Temperatures of 2,300 to 3,000 Degrees
Blue flames burn hotter than orange flames, with temperatures reaching up to 3,000 degrees Fahrenheit. Along with the complete burning of carbon, this is why gas-burning fires typically have a blue flame. They heat up more quickly and to higher temperatures than fires using other fuel sources, resulting in a blue flame. If a flame’s temperature drops to 2,200 degrees or below, however, it may turn to an orange or yellow color, especially if it uses a tangible fuel source like firewood.

 

[Stoney5118]

It was 6 miles wide.

 

[Stoney5118]

Wish I could see that stuff!

 

[tmatsi]

The colour look a bit like burning Zinc or possibly flames with Copper. Given that there are many recordings of this phenomenon it should be possible to identify the elements from their spectra and then suggest a reasonable source.

 

[JoeF]

Ye sI thought it looked much more like copper or zinc in a bunsen burner than a "hot blue flame" (usually pale) or "iron". After all, that's how you do it with fireworks. Should be looking at the spectrum.