[exit82]

In 1977 I saw a rocket lift off from Vandenburg as I traveled south in an airliner. It was twilight, and it was SPECTACULAR

That was the time Mission Control said "What do you mean, Liftoff!"? There's an airliner up there!"

[Hebrews 11:6]

I'm guessing we were twenty-plus miles east of Vandenburg, traveling from Oakland to Burbank. The Air Force wisely situated Vandenburg AFB on a point protruding into the Pacific, and of course airliners avoid it.

The captain spotted its launch immediately (perhaps he had advance notice) and drew our attention to it--said it was only the second he'd seen. He announced its progress for us: 10,000 feet, 100,000 feet, etc.

Being twilight, the rocket flame lit up the sky like a million Roman candles. To this day, it's one of the half-dozen most amazing and memorable sights I've ever seen.