The Cause of the Cloud: Difference between revisions

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:'''Abstract''' - Measurement of the filamentary noctilucent cloud of 2 November 1963 yields a height of 56 km. Study of the motion and orientation of the cloud confirms the hypothesis that these unusual clouds appearing in the southwestern states are produced by the launching of rocket vehicles from the Pacific Missile Range.<ref>[http://www.sciencemag.org/content/143/3601/38.abstract Science Magazine, January 1964: Vol. 143, no. 3601, pp. 38-39, DOI:0.1126/science.143.3601.38, Low-Latitude Noctilucent Cloud of 2 November 1963, Aden B. Meinel, Carolyn P. Meinel]</ref>
:'''Abstract''' - Measurement of the filamentary noctilucent cloud of 2 November 1963 yields a height of 56 km. Study of the motion and orientation of the cloud confirms the hypothesis that these unusual clouds appearing in the southwestern states are produced by the launching of rocket vehicles from the Pacific Missile Range.<ref>[http://www.sciencemag.org/content/143/3601/38.abstract Science Magazine, January 1964: Vol. 143, no. 3601, pp. 38-39, DOI:0.1126/science.143.3601.38, Low-Latitude Noctilucent Cloud of 2 November 1963, Aden B. Meinel, Carolyn P. Meinel]</ref>
===Why was the cloud not seen before sunset?===


Questions have also been raised as to why was the cloud not seen prior to appearing over Flagstaff.  However, as the cloud was similar to a [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Noctilucent_cloud noctilucent cloud], it would not be visible until the sky began to darken at sunset.  Dr. MacDonald made no mention of the noctilucent cloud phenomena in his report.
Questions have also been raised as to why was the cloud not seen prior to appearing over Flagstaff.  However, as the cloud was similar to a [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Noctilucent_cloud noctilucent cloud], it would not be visible until the sky began to darken at sunset.  Dr. MacDonald made no mention of the noctilucent cloud phenomena in his report.