bolidelike

bolidelike is a term used to describe objects in space that share characteristics with the transient astronomical phenomenon known as a bolide. A bolide is a very bright meteor, often accompanied by a loud sonic boom, that can fragment in the atmosphere. Therefore, something described as "bolidelike" suggests it exhibits a similar transient, bright, and potentially disintegrating behavior.

This term is typically applied to celestial bodies or events that resemble a bolide in some observable way. For instance, a newly discovered asteroid or comet that appears unusually bright or has a very short observed duration might be informally referred to as bolidelike. Similarly, unusual atmospheric phenomena that mimic the visual and auditory aspects of a bolide might also be described using this adjective.

The use of "bolidelike" is generally informal and not a formal astronomical classification. It serves as a descriptive shorthand for observers or scientists to convey a specific set of observed properties that are reminiscent of a bolide event. Such descriptions help in quickly communicating similarities between different astronomical observations or potential phenomena.