What the Blazes was that?

Seen something tonight that I just have to tell someone about. I was out in the garden at around 8pm on 20-Feb-06. Beautiful clear night. I spotted something heading towards the earth that really caught my eye. It was a glowing ball with a tail of light following behind it. Initially I thought it looked like a large fireworks rocket. I lost sight of it as some trees blocked my view. A couple of seconds later I heard some loud bangs as I assume it hit the ground. I would say that it probably hit the ground no more than 1km from my house. This happened 2kms from Ballinagh,Co.Cavan. I'm very excited to have witnessed this. Is this an unusual occurance in Ireland? Does anyone ever report damage to land or property because of such a occurance? Any replies to this message will be much appreciated.

Elvin.

Wow Elvin!! Looks like you witnessed a rare event, are you sure those were loud bangs coming from the area it 'hit' the ground? :shock:

How bright was it? Easily with the naked eye? I was out in my backgarden tonight looking around, I'm in Kingscourt, Co.Cavan, but I saw nothing, so it must have been close to you!!

What direction did it come from?

Definitely report here:
www.astronomy.ie/fireball.html

You know, If you have tomorrow off, have a look around yourself for very 'burned' looking black rocks - these would be very VERY valuable!!

Keith..

Well, it sounds like you witnessed one hell of a fireball! These are certainly rare, you should count yourself very lucky!

Bart.

WOW...must have been a beauty of a fireball

Elvin, go searching as soon as possible for that Meteor...before anyone else finds the impact site....I think bits of a Meteor can be worth millions :!: :!:

Wow sounds like a big fireball with a major sonic boom which was the sound as the object was ripping through the atmosphere. It could have hit down