[AZ-Observing] Re: Titan IV Launch from VAFB

or Tucson.

However, with the recent rains here in AZ, and (am) low level atmospheric
moisture I wasn't expecting much, if anything, would be visible at all.

The MInotaur dusk launch had the advantage of dark contrast (twilight in AZ)
along with solar backlight at altitude.  [Translation:  maximum wow!
potential]

----------
>From: "Neville Cole" <nevillecole@xxxxxxxxxxx>
>To: az-observing@xxxxxxxxxxxxx
>Subject: [AZ-Observing] Re: Titan IV Launch from VAFB
>Date: Wed, Oct 19, 2005, 11:47
>

> Chris,
>
> If you didn't see much from Carlsbad, that would explain why I didn't see
> anything at all from Phoenix!  Not like the dusk launch from a few weeks
> ago, which was very cool.
>
> Neville
>
>
> ----Original Message Follows----
> From: Christopher Watson <skygx@xxxxxxxxxxxxx>
> Reply-To: az-observing@xxxxxxxxxxxxx
> To: AZ-Observing <az-observing@xxxxxxxxxxxxx>
> Subject: [AZ-Observing] Titan IV Launch from VAFB
> Date: Wed, 19 Oct 2005 11:22:58 -0700 (GMT-07:00)
>
> From a high bluff in Carlsbad, CA, with unobstructed NW view of the coast, I
> watched the launch of the last of the Titan IV vehicles from Vandeberg AFB
> this morning.  The first evidence of a exhaust plume was seen at 11:04:55,
> as it climbed above the light cloud bank hugging the coast.  Nothing but
> grey-white smoke against a light blue sky.  I saw the trail quickly
> extending toward the WSW, with no hint of any flame point.  At about
> 11:06:25 I saw a burst of yellow-orange light at the tip of the exhaust
> trail which lasted about 3 seconds.  Probably a stage burnout and
> separation.  After that, no further flame detections, and the trail quickly
> became too difficult to detect against the bright sky.  After about 11:08,
> there was no telling a rocket had launched.  This was my first day launch
> observation.  All my others have been duck or night launches.  I'd have to
> say that the presence of the Sun creates a very underwhelming experience.
>
> Christopher Watson
> Carlsbad, CA
>
>
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