The first launch I got to see was from roughly 150 miles away in Labelle, Florida, which is thirty miles east of Fort Myers. Was in my senior year of high school and was watching on the TV and the teacher said to go out and take a look. Some did and that was a sight to see the cloud of gases escaping and growing as it arced across the sky.
My most memorable launch was a night launch when I was living in the Largo/Seminole area. Had a great site at Alt 19 (Seminole Blvd.) and Ulmerton Rd. next to the sheriff dept. Cloudless night. Looking over the mall that had just been built. Waiting and then seeing this miniature Sun start to come up, then the flames from the shuttle popped into view. At my distance, the flicker of the flame looked like someone had turned a disposable lighter upside down and moving it up. Tonight the local NBC affiliate had a report on how to view the ISS as it passes over head. James W8ISS _______________________________________________ Sent via amsat...@amsat.org. Opinions expressed are those of the author. Not an AMSAT-NA member? Join now to support the amateur satellite program! Subscription settings: http://amsat.org/mailman/listinfo/amsat-bb
