Re: MMII VAFB Launch Observed Jan. 18

From: Robin R. Wier (rwier@cris.com)
Date: Tue Jan 18 2000 - 20:01:05 PST

  • Next message: Walter Nissen: "re: MMII VAFB Launch Observed Jan. 18"

    Jake,
    Wow, good job, but me thinks you might be a little optimistic about the
    TV coverage.
    Robin
    
    Jake Rees wrote:
    > 
    > Tuesday morning, I had been pessimistic about being able to see anything due
    > to extensive clouds.  However, as sunset approached, it got better and
    > better and at 6 PM, there were only a few clouds and nothing much in my view
    > to the west towards Vandenberg.
    > 
    > I saw it from near my home across an athletic field and school roof.  It
    > launched about 20 min. into the window.  First sighted coming up over a tree
    > on the horizon, it appeared as a short elongated orange flame through
    > binoculars.  As it climbed various flashes were seen and stages dropping off
    > could be seen as "sparks" behind the rocket.  A dim smoke trail could be
    > seen behind the missile's exhaust.  After over 1:15 from liftoff, it became
    > very bright and white and a fan-shaped display suddenly grew out from the
    > exhaust.  My friend said it looked like an angel.  This display remained in
    > the sky for about a minute before fading somewhat abruptly.  This most
    > interesting part of the display, I think, was looking down the tailpipe of
    > the missile exhaust as it was high into space and the fan-shape mostly below
    > it, was crystallized fuel propellent catching the sunrays.  After it was all
    > gone, a dim light blue patch of color remained in the sky for a few minutes.
    > I also recorded it on camcorder; camcorder in right hand, binoculars in left
    > hand, and split my time between looking through each and just looking naked
    > eye.
    > 
    > I would think there may be video of this certainly on local LA TV news and
    > maybe nationally and worldwide.
    > 
    > -- Jake Rees
    >     Burbank, California
    > 
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