[TXnMA]

I just checked out FreedomCalls' #126 on the other thread.

Like others here (and on the previous thread) , I was struck by the similarity of the zoomed image to a rear-view of the shuttle from below, However:

I have a Panasonic video editing system, and I spent considerable time this afternoon analyzing this video sequence -- on video recorded directly off-satellite on one of the editing decks (using the deck as tuner -- no intervening TV set).

I have also spent a like amount of time analyzing the Quicktime video clip under discussion.

As a result of these analyses -- and FreedomCalls' analysis of the aperture artifact,
I now conclude that FreedomCalls' analysis is the correct one, and the shuttle could not have been in a 90-degree starboard yaw mode for any finite length of time.

Although the zoomed image does bear a fortuitous, superficial resemblance to a rear-view of the Shuttle, consider the following:

1. The three dark 'dots in line' (which have been interpreted as the main engine bells) are not shuttle engines: The shuttle engines are in a triangular layout -- not three-in-line.

2. Every time the separated (so-called "tail") part is at maximum brightness, it forms a triangle the same shape and orientation as the bright upper triangle in the (inverted) aperture image. (It is also an aperture-flare artifact.) No lower triangle appears because the flare from the reflection never reaches sufficient brightness.

3. The "shuttle image" appears to be stable in a 90-degree starboard yaw mode (sideways) with the wings level for at least five seconds. Wheras such could occur outside the atmosphere, at this point of extreme air drag (Mach 18 in the plasma zone) aerodynamic stability in such a mode could not exist -- even for a few milliseconds. The shuttle would instantly tumble about the roll axis and disintegrate in a matter of seconds.

Justa, GRRRRR , et al, don't feel bad; it had me going for a while, too.

However, IMO, Searchers should be looking for a large (possibly tail-sized) piece of debris early in the debris field -- possibly west of Dallas.

FreedomCalls: Nice work!

TXnMA (in Northeast Texas -- just north of the debris field)

[finnman69]

BINGO.

Ok kids, now its time to take your tin foil hats off and go to bed.

[r9etb]

The "shuttle image" appears to be stable in a 90-degree starboard yaw mode (sideways) with the wings level for at least five seconds. Wheras such could occur outside the atmosphere, at this point of extreme air drag (Mach 18 in the plasma zone) aerodynamic stability in such a mode could not exist -- even for a few milliseconds. The shuttle would instantly tumble about the roll axis and disintegrate in a matter of seconds.

First: you've got to realize that it's behind a big-ass shock wave: it's not simple aerodynamics. It's hard to say what would happen to the vehicle within the shock cone, especially if the vertical stabilizer is off, and maybe the wingtips, too. I've seen videos of re-entering External Tanks -- far more fragile things -- that did all sorts of funny things before they broke up.

It is indisputable, however, that the thing came apart very soon after this video was taken, so the only issue here is whether it can stay relatively intact for a few seconds in this attitude. The ET videos tell me that seconds is not unrealistic.

I've already pointed out the OMS pods and body flap (no main engines to be seen....), not to mention the unmistakable shape of the vehicle itself.

I'm inclined to believe this really is the Shuttle, and not finnman's optical illusion.

[GRRRRR]

Yup, I've seen the video several more times now and FreedomCalls has it right. Good going, MORE PROOF, Freepers are smarter than the average bear!!

BooBoo & Yogi