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Astronomy Picture of the Day -- RBSP Night Launch
NASA ^ | September 02, 2012 | (see photo credit)

Posted on 09/02/2012 6:05:34 AM PDT by SunkenCiv

Explanation: This graceful arc traces a Delta rocket climbing through Thursday's early morning skies over Cape Canaveral Air Force Station in Florida, USA. Snug inside the rocket's Centaur upper stage were NASA's twin Radiation Belt Storm Probes (RBSP), now in separate orbits within planet Earth's Van Allen radiation belts. Reflected in the Turn Basin from a vantage point about 3 miles from Space Launch Complex 41, the scene was captured in a composite of two exposures. One highlights the dramatic play of launch pad lighting, clouds, and sky. A subsequent 3 minute long exposure records the rocket's fiery trail. While most spacecraft try to avoid the radiation belts, named for their discoverer James Van Allen, RBSP's mission will be to explore their dynamic and harsh conditions.

September 02, 2012

(Excerpt) Read more at 129.164.179.22 ...


TOPICS: Astronomy; Astronomy Picture of the Day; Science
KEYWORDS: apod; astronomy; rbsp; science
[Credit & Copyright: Mike Killian]

1 posted on 09/02/2012 6:05:45 AM PDT by SunkenCiv
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To: brytlea; cripplecreek; decimon; bigheadfred; KoRn; Grammy; married21; steelyourfaith; Mmogamer; ...

2 posted on 09/02/2012 6:18:44 AM PDT by SunkenCiv (https://secure.freerepublic.com/donate/)
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To: SunkenCiv

Extremely intense picture, Sunky! I love the reflection on the water. Thanks!


3 posted on 09/02/2012 6:48:51 AM PDT by momtothree
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To: SunkenCiv

That is magnificent Photography!
Thank You For your faithful IPOD !


4 posted on 09/02/2012 6:59:56 AM PDT by left that other site (Worry is the Darkroom that Develops Negatives.)
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To: SunkenCiv

Reminds me of math class from High Shcool for some reason.


5 posted on 09/02/2012 7:43:23 AM PDT by BenLurkin (This is not a statement of fact. It is either opinion or satire; or both)
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To: SunkenCiv

Great picture. Dr. Van Allen would be proud. I took an astronomy class from him in college. He was a good instructor and a nice guy—as well as an inveterate waffle maker—mm-mmm good!


6 posted on 09/02/2012 8:16:48 AM PDT by Artem55
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To: SunkenCiv

Suddenly I’m hungry for an Egg McMuffin....


7 posted on 09/02/2012 8:31:47 AM PDT by mikrofon (Astro BUMP)
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To: SunkenCiv

8 posted on 09/02/2012 8:44:12 AM PDT by JoeProBono (A closed mouth gathers no feet - Mater tua caligas exercitus gerit ;-{)
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To: SunkenCiv

The Van Allen belts hold up earth’s pants. Without them, we’d moon the moon.


9 posted on 09/02/2012 9:01:14 AM PDT by blueunicorn6 ("A crack shot and a good dancer")
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