* Did the missile leave a white smoke plume, starting from the sea? (This would indicate solid fuel as is used on Trident SLBMs. Whereas a plume visible only at higher altitude would tend to indicate liquid fuel).
* Was there any restricted air space near the presumed launch area? Launches such as this are not generally done without “Notice To Airmen.” (Note: One FR Member has already presented some information indicated that there wasn’t).
* By treaty, SLBM, ICBM and Sat launches are announced ahead of time so other nations do not assume the launch is hostile. This would be particularly important for something starting near the West coast of CONUS and tracking out to sea.
From the footage Ive seen, it came right OUT of the ocean blazing all the way...check the video:
http://www.cbsnews.com/stories/2010/11/09/national/main7036716.shtml