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To: thecodont; Windflier; Randy Larsen
" The color of many Leonids is caused by light emitted from metal atoms from the meteoroid (blue, green, and yellow) and light emitted by atoms and molecules of the air (red). The metal atoms emit light much like in our sodium discharge lamps: sodium (Na) atoms give an orange-yellow light, iron (Fe) atoms a yellow light, magnesium (Mg) a blue-green light, ionized calcium (Ca+) atoms may add a violet hue, while molecules of atmospheric nitrogen (N2) and oxygen atoms (O) give a red light. The meteor color depends on whether the metal atom emissions or the air plasma emissions dominate. "

LINK

But I'm sticking to the copper theory for the one I saw.

48 posted on 03/10/2012 8:18:53 PM PST by bigheadfred
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To: bigheadfred

Thanks for the lesson, Fred. I had a feeling you’d have that to hand.


55 posted on 03/10/2012 8:38:41 PM PST by Windflier (To anger a conservative, tell him a lie. To anger a liberal, tell him the truth.)
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