A potential meteorite-producing Taurid fireball observed in 2021

Abstract

On 2021 November 12, a Taurid fireball with an absolute magnitude of −13 was recorded over Spain. This work presents the analysis of this impressive bolide, which penetrated the atmosphere till a remarkable low final height of about 25.1 km above the ground level. A non-zero mass was calculated at the ending point of the luminous trajectory, which means that this event would have produced a meteorite that fell on the ground. Despite the mass of the fragment being small, of around 6.5 g, this would confirm the possibility of Taurid meteorite survival, a debate that was initiated some years ago. The emission spectrum of this fireball is also discussed.