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by silent lurker
Wed Nov 04, 2009 4:43 am
Forum: The Bridge: Discuss an Astronomy Picture of the Day
Topic: Ares 1-X Launch (2009 Nov 2)
Replies: 32
Views: 3377

Re: Ares 1-X Launch (2009 Nov 2)

Its my understanding that the image was taken as the vehicle reached "Max Q," the point of maximum aerodynamic pressure on the vehicle which, if I recall correctly, corresponds to it passing Mach 1 and going supersonic. Most of the time we see this supersonic shock condensation cone only o...