Ripples in the Sky (sans LSD)

Posted by Greg at 00:02, 18 Feb 2010

Here's some amazing footage from the launch of the Solar Dynamics Observatory last week (via an Atlas V) from Kennedy Space Center. While I find any launch to be amazing viewing, mega-awesomeness begins at around 1:52 - the sky ripples when the acoustic shockwaves from the rocket travel through a 'sun dog' (luminous atmospheric phenonemon caused by the sun refracting through ice crystals):

In case anyone is worried about the footage being doctored, there is corroborating testimony as well as still imagery.

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Sky Ripples
#1
jupiter.enteract's picture
Member since:
21 January 2005
Last activity:
2 hours 57 min
Posted by jupiter.enteract on 18 Feb 2010 at about 14:14.

Thanks for this. I watched the launch from about 15 miles away, in Florida--but needless to say, didn't notice anything of this sort from my vantage point.

now that
#2
thefloppy1's picture
Member since:
1 May 2004
Last activity:
2 days 4 hours
Posted by thefloppy1 on 19 Feb 2010 at about 00:58.

is one neat video. Funny how the effect stayed at the eppi-centre as the rocket flew on.
And Greg....LOL "damn HAARP".

—

"Life can be whatever you want it to be, as long as you do what your told."
LRF.