2012-01-23 - Dallas, TX - Fireball

Orange Fireball in the sky

At approximately 19:30 hrs I was taking out the trash when I looked up into the night sky. I noticed an orange colored fireball shape making its way across the sky. Because DFW airport is near, I initially figured it was a landing plane; however, there is no glowing orange landing lights of that I am aware. I was unable to make out any directional lighting i.e. green and red wing tip lights. It seemed to be moving faster than that of a plane.

So I watched it for several seconds, it made no change in direction. The object from my perspective and location moved from a South Eastern direction to a North Westerly direction.

When a commercial plane on approach to DFW came into my view with its landing lights on, I was able to compare the two objects. I was able to compare the light temperatures which were clearly different.

The size of the orange glow was much larger than that of the planes landing light. Although the orange object appeared closer to my location ! than that of the plane. I was able to make out the directional green and red lights, in addition, the flashing strobe on top of the commercial plane in the distance. The orange object did not have any additional lighting. I also noticed that the orange fireball shape was moving away from my direction and away from the direction of DFW.

In addition, the orange fireball object appeared to be at a higher altitude than the plane. Once it was in the NW quadrant from my location the orange glow went out.

I was waiting to hear the whine of engines or growl of a rocket thrust and heard neither. My only regret is that I stood watching in awe instead of running for a video camera.