Atlantis Launch View (SE Virginia)
jbyrd@seva.net
Sun, 12 Jan 97 05:14:40 PST
Hello SeeSat friends,
Enjoyed a nice view of the Atlantis main engine plumes
from southeast Virginia on Sunday morning about 5 minutes
after launch. First noticed the plumes in the south
(el=10,az=160) as irregular and flashing (est. mag 4 to
-1), rising to peak (el=20, az=110) and then the plumes
became more steady in the last minute of the engine burn.
The plumes were distinctly red and vectored downward about
30 degrees with respect to the direction of ascent.
About 15 seconds after main engine cutoff (el=8, az=80),
another bright flash occured. I understand from the launch
profile that this was the jettisoning of the external
tank. Binoculars presented a great view of the plume
direction and colors.
I took a couple of time exposures and will see how they
turn out. Even my wife and seven year old arose to see it
in -2C weather. The previous two 51.6 degree night
launches were obscured by rainy weather.
As a side note, we were involved with students who had an
excellent conversation with US Astronaut John Blaha two
weeks ago from the Amateur Radio satellite station at the
Virginia Air and Space Center. See the ARGVASC URL below
for a photo and media story link.
Good day,
jim byrd
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01/12/97 05:14:40 EST (-5) 37.17N -76.57W
(ASOSV) "http://www.seva.net/reg/satellite"
(VASCARG) "http://www.seva.net/vascarg"
James, Cynthia, and Thomas Byrd <jbyrd@seva.net>
44 Sandra Drive
Newport News, VA 23608 USA
757.874.3104 (h)
757.864.5961 (ofc)