[GRRRRR]

Hmmm...I just don't think so...Please keep a Watch on FOX...they have beenshowing this video all morning...it's right at the start...I'm NO EXPERT, and you may be right about the iris reflection etc...but when you see the video..it really does appear to be so.

[HighWheeler]

Notice that the image is almost symmetrical about the vertical.

This is not part of the shuttle problem, it is a problem with the focus. If you watch the video, you can see the cameraman re-focus immediately after this moment, and the flaring dis-appears.

If this was going 12,500 mph the flames and debris would be streched out to one side, and the leading edge would be sheared to the back.

[HighWheeler]

Watch as the camera pulls back and focus is restored. There is no witness burst left in the contrail.