Well, I saw some of that, too, but it was relatively distant and dim. This “beam” effect is something I’ve never seen described. Like I said, horizon to horizon, lashing like a whip. Very bright and distinct. I couldn’t see the whole thing in one view, but had to scan back and both from east to west to take in the whole thing. It lasted several minutes. I only mention the curtain as an explanation, you understand. Its appearance didn’t suggest this, but a general understanding of the phenomenon tells me that this is what it must have been.
I remember one New Years Nite in ‘05 that was much like that.