[TXnMA]

I used "difference-mode transparency" (plus a 150% re-scaling of the smaller one) to align & composite Rick's latest two images. Then I applied a bit of quick pixel-level quantitative analysis (at the larger photo's resolution) to the composite. It has several features of interest:

http://www.microlith.com/CONtrail/RWDecComp-1.jpg

1. That little "high-wing puddle-jumper" crossing the FOV (Field Of View) provides a dramatic illustraion of the effect of distance/perspective on apparent angular velocity: The "Hi-wing's" apparent AV across the FOV is 16X that of the contrail maker.

2. From the perspective in these frames, the contrail-maker ("CMO") almost seems to be "losing ground" -- as far as progress toward the coast goes. Obviously, that jet is not actually "crawling" WRT the light plane...

3. In the first shot, the CMO exhibits the same "exhaust flame" reflection seen in a few frames of the CBS hoax video. (See 3X "lens" circle at right...)

4. In the second shot, the CMO may be right at the point of "separation from" the long contrail (see "lens")...

5. There seems to ba a strong wind to the south -- at altitude -- as in the 08NOV incident. Does that mean that similar "cold front" conditions were in effect? (If so, it would seem that we have a useful predictor as to when the next similar event might occur...)

I have no doubt that significantly more information can be extracted from Rick's "Raw" photos. (Please pass this post along to Rick. I hope we can get together to collaborate on the analysis...)

[Rokke]

Nice post. Builds off the information you had already compiled with the last “missile” contrail. The usual suspects would no doubt contribute their standard “I don’t have a theory but it’s not an airplane” line. All the arguments they made about the last incident (spiraling smoke trail, rocket motor flame etc etc) are present in the new pictures. So if their arguments had any validity then, they still should now. But I think it’s pretty clear their arguments were never valid.

[Tommyjo]

Great work!

I normally keep an eye on the LAX Pacific webcam around sunset time. On the 27th I didn't check it out, unfortunately. It would have been nice to have obtained a screen shot of Rick's contrail from LAX.

According to the Exif data on Ricks images the times are December 27, 2010 4:59:34PM and December 27, 2010 5:00:10PM

Link to Cargolaw Pacific webcam

Was it Flight UPS902 producing its unique contrail from its three engines again? On the 27th December McDonnell Douglas MD-11 was flying the following route

Link to Flight Aware UPS902 27th December route