Australian astronomer's 'extraordinary account' of mishap

SMH ^ | Feb 2, 03 | AAP

[AEMILIUS PAULUS]

No. I'm a California native. Unfortunately, I must agree with the gentleman. He is right anything reported from this state must be considered as highly suspect. The burdens of proof and persuasion rest with the California source.

[DouglasKC]

The pictures, taken with a Nikon 8 camera on a tripod, reveal what appear to be bright electrical phenomena flashing around the track of the shuttle's passage, but the photographer, who asked not to be identified, will not make them public immediately.
"They clearly record an electrical discharge like a lightning bolt flashing past, and I was snapping the pictures almost exactly . . . when the Columbia may have begun breaking up during re-entry," he said.

Has anyone postulated that it could have been shot down by a spy satellite? Does North Korea or China have any particle beam or any other type of satellites up there capable of such things?

[Dasaji]

Anything coming out of California, whether or not from an Australian, is suspect.
These people think socialism works and that disarming law abiding citizens ends gun crime.
Enough said.
Cripes, I give Nevada more clout...

---

That is probably the most inane declaration I have seen today on FR. You get the prize.

[Inkie]

Somebody in California took video of this. I saw it this morning (on Fox News Sunday or Sunday Morning, can't recall which).

[Inyo-Mono]

Anything coming out of California, whether or not from an Australian, is suspect. These people think socialism works and that disarming law abiding citizens ends gun crime. Enough said. Cripes, I give Nevada more clout...

-------------------------------------------------------------------------------- That is probably the most inane declaration I have seen today on FR. You get the prize.

And what is ironic about his statement, is that the astronomer, Anthony Beasley, lives in one of the most conservative counties in California...where the County Sheriff advertises concelled carry permit classes over the radio.

[winodog]

Here is some eyewitness reports from the vegas valley.

http://www.reviewjournal.com/lvrj_home/2003/Feb-02-Sun-2003/news/20604836.html

[dyed_in_the_wool]

That is probably the most inane declaration I have seen today on FR. You get the prize.

Touched. Honored even.