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Possible Double Bolide Measured Across the Idaho National Laboratory Broadband Seismic Network

Description: 

On February 21, 2024, the Idaho National Laboratory (INL) Seismic Network triggered on an anomalous seismic event. Upon investigation of this event, it is hypothesized that this event is actually a shockwave from a bolide which passed over the desert of Eastern Idaho. The shockwave was well recorded on at least 60 seismic stations, many of which were three-component broadbands. In addition to the seismometers, the shockwave was also measured on a single infrasound instrument owned and operated by the INL. The pressure wave measured on the infrasound instrument displayed the characteristic N wave usually associated with sonic booms. In addition to the primary N wave, a second N wave was measured about 1.5 seconds following the first. While this second wave was smaller in amplitude and shorter in duration, it is proposed that this second arrival is the result of another source, either two bolides or a single bolide breaking into two pieces. This second arrival was detected on a smaller number of seismic stations, primarily on the Eastern Snake River Plain. Arrival times and wave polarizations are used to model the trajectory of the primary bolide. The source of the shockwave appears to originate directly above the desert footprint of the INL in Eastern Idaho and travels to the northwest. This presentation will show the seismoacoustic signals created from the shockwave, the pressure wave measured on the infrasound station and the grid search method which was used to model the trajectory of the bolide.

Session: Advancements in Forensic Seismology and Explosion Monitoring - IV

Type: Oral

Date: 4/17/2025

Presentation Time: 04:45 PM (local time)

Presenting Author: Blaine

Student Presenter: No

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