Nightspore Posted September 28, 2021 Share Posted September 28, 2021 Atlas V: Rocket launch creates strange lights in UK sky Amateur stargazers in the UK were sent rushing for their cameras by strange cone-shaped lights in the sky created by a US rocket. The Atlas V, carrying Nasa's Landsat-9 satellite, launched at about 20:00 BST on Monday. About two hours later it performed a reversing manoeuvre, releasing two glowing clouds of vapour. Clear skies made for an out-of-this-world view of the stellar spectacle, visible above large parts of UK. Photographer Simon Woodley "couldn't believe his eyes" when he snapped the launch from South Shields. Mr Woodley was out taking photos of the moonrise when he saw the unknown bright light for "three or four minutes". "I went through the possibilities of comet or aircraft or even a laser beam. It was only when I got home I found out what it was," he said. Education charity UK Astronomy said the light was the rocket's deorbit burn, created as it fires its engines to commence its re-entry into Earth's atmosphere before burning up. Astronomer and science writer Will Gater said the glowing, tear drop-shaped clouds were a result of sunlight scattering off material released into space. op cit ~ BBC News Picture from BBC News I went out Monday with my 72ED between 20:30 and 23:30. I actually saw this in the north. I thought it was an aeroplane or a helicopter light distorted by the humidity. The picture above is not dissimilar to what I observed. I even saw it at 105x through a 4mm TS Planetary HR for a few moments. I can't remember the time but I'd say it was around 21:00. After less than a minute or so it seemed to move north west and slightly upwards before disappearing. 2 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Recommended Posts
Join the conversation
You can post now and register later. If you have an account, sign in now to post with your account.
Note: Your post will require moderator approval before it will be visible.