Missile contrails across the morning sky

A few mornings ago the White Sands Missile Range in New Mexico conducted a test of the Patriot interceptor, producing iridescent rocket exhaust visible across the early morning sky of northern Arizona.

Exhaust trails from rockets launched in New Mexico as part of a test.
Exhaust trails from rockets launched in New Mexico as part of a test.

From the SpaceWeather.com web site: “…The test proceeded as follows: A Juno rocket was launched from Fort Wingate in Gallup, New Mexico. This served as the target for another missile, the Patriot Advanced Capability 3 interceptor, launched shortly thereafter from White Sands. A press release from White Sands confirmed the test and stated that “the Juno performed as expected…”

Iridescence in the exhaust trails from a rocket launch over New Mexico.
Iridescence in the exhaust trails from a rocket launch over New Mexico.

It’s not often that you get to see a missile launch from Arizona.