Amazing. Whatever it is.

Pretty standard modern space rocket stuff -- and mass public freak-outs

FH [falcon heavy] escape burn to Mars Feb 06, 2018 observed from SW USA
satobs.org...

Observations of the SpaceX launch on October 7, 2018:
satobs.org...

Public misinterpretations of the SpaceX launch on October 7, 2018:

satobs.org...

the Dec 22, 2017 Falcon 9 VAFB launch
satobs.org...


MISSILE FREAK-OUT IN CALIFORNIA [NOV 7, 2015]
satobs.org...

Nov 07, 2015 Trident SLBM launch off California
satobs.org...

Some fantastic light shows, but the gas blossoms at the end and the twirling expended rocket plumes give them away.
There are so many variations in the displays but they follow the same scenarios. I would love to see one real time.

a reply to: charlyv

We caught one out of Vandenberg one night. We were in eastern Arizona at the time. It was amazing to see.

I can usually see the SpaceX launches from Vandenberg from my backyard. That's 100% what that is and it's freakin awesome to watch real time

www.youtube.com...

heres a better video. It's a space x launch

originally posted by: Alien Abduct

originally posted by: EartOccupant

originally posted by: Alien Abduct
a reply to: EartOccupant

Looks like a rocket launch.

Look at the end. Looks like expanding plasma. and at the end.. it "flames back over itself"

You're right I watched all the way to the end this time. Looks like a failed rocket launch.

Failed? No. The reason for the strangely expanding gasses is that it happens high in the atmosphere where there is very low pressures.

The low pressure causes the plume to expand in ways unlike we are accustomed to normally seeing, especially when one stage separates from the other and ignites.


Edit to add:
Here is a video from Scott Manley explaining the physics behind the look of a similar launch from a few years ago:

a reply to: Soylent Green Is People

Ah I get it. Very nice, thanks.