A photometric investigation of a bright Geminid

Abstract

Photographic observations of meteors in the Netherlands started with a bright Geminid of photographic magnitude −8 observed on December 11, 1955, 21h39m55s by M. Alberts. From the assumed radiant and velocity we have constructed the trajectory of the bolide. The luminosity of the trail has been determined with a microphotometer. From the light curve we could derive the mass (63 gm) and the diameter (4 cm) of the meteorite. Some traces of a wake of about 2m are visible in the interruptions of the trail.