This time-lapse of the launch of Space Shuttle Discovery on STS-131, April 5. While it is not a complete time-lapse of the launch, it does capture several intriguing features. On the right is the contrail from an earlier part of the launch. The bright streak in the midst of the “fuzz” in the left of the image is the actual track of Discovery after SRB separation. The “cloud” around the shuttle streak is a combination of vapor contrails and an unusually pronounced case of Prandtl-Glauert Singularity, also known as “vapor cones,” “shock collars” or “shock eggs.” In the background, the band of orange near the horizon is not from sunrise, but an example of the Belt of Venus.
Photo Credit to Stefan O’Dougherty and Peter Nguyen who had set up three cameras for the launch in a marina 13 miles west of the launch pad in Titusville, Florida. This shot was taken with a Canon Rebel XTi borrowed from their friend, Simone Nageon De Lestang.
