[meteorite-list] Rocket Launch "contrail"

From: John Gwilliam <jkg_at_meteoritecentral.com>
Date: Thu Apr 22 10:28:32 2004
Message-ID: <4.2.0.58.20031018171945.009fe8f0_at_mail.theriver.com>

Bob and List,
Over the past several years, I've also witnessed rocket launch "contrails"
from Vandenburg. Most were seen while in Costal Mexico, and the corkscrew
effect caused by high level winds makes for a magnificent display. Us
folks here in Arizona are also treated to occasional early morning launches
from the White Sands Range in New Mexico. These pre-dawn trails are high
enough that they catch the light from the sun and the orange "worm trails"
in our still dark sky are quite spectacular.
Like Bob, I never seem to have my digital camera ready, although, they do
announce some of the White Sands launches in advance.

Best,

John Gwilliam

At 09:36 AM 10/18/03 -0700, Robert Verish wrote:
>Good Morning from Pasadena,
>
>Just now observed the lingering "contrail" of a launch
>all the way over at Vandenberg CA.
>
>The way that this rocket exhaust twisted and was
>distorted by the atmosphere at that high altitude
>reminded me of our discussion about "debris trails"
>from fireballs.
>
>Definitely different from all the jet airliner
>contrails that were in the sky at the same time.
>
>By the time I found my digital camera, it had
>dissapated too much to show the distinctive twisting.
>
>I should check the launch schedule (if it isn't
>classified info) and be better prepared the next time.
>Bob V.
>
>
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Received on Sat 18 Oct 2003 08:27:28 PM PDT