 EPOD - a service of USRA

The Earth Science Picture of the Day (EPOD) highlights the diverse processes
and phenomena which shape our planet and our lives. EPOD will collect and
archive photos, imagery, graphics, and artwork with short explanatory
captions and links exemplifying features within the Earth system. The
community is invited to contribute digital imagery, short captions and
relevant links.


 Interplay of Rocket Exhaust and its Reflection on Water

   June 02, 2021


    2T2A2047-Edit

   Photographer:  Michael Seeley

   Summary Authors:  Michael Seeley;  Jim Foster

   Shown above is a 195-second exposure of the launch of a  SpaceX
    Falcon9 rocket from  Cape Canaveral, Florida. It was taken at
   4:28 a.m. (local time) on March 24, 2021. I chose my viewing position
   specifically to have water in view of the camera since I thought it
   would be glassy enough to  mirror the launch and the rocket’s
   exhaust. As it turned out, the water, though not rough, was gently
   rolling, creating the curious squiggles in the foreground that caught
   my attention. This is something I hadn’t previously observed. The
   exhaust's reflection on the water is known as a  glitter path. Like
   all such paths, it's composed of quickly moving points of light darting
   over the water's surface. However, the "squiggles" are akin to  moon
   circles that can only be seen when the water surface is rippled. I find
   the interplay between the water and the rocket exhaust to be quiet
   mesmerizing.

   Cocoa Beach, Florida Coordinates: 28.3200, -80.6076


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