Great photo Jim, and how fantastic to be able to see it happen - I envy you!

Utterly fascinating composition, Jim.
I am still confused by night/sun/moon.
The way the rocket traces across the yellow orb is nothing short of spectacular - and then there is that enigmatic reflection bottom right.
Almost like it was taken on another planet.

The Rocket is not tracing across the yellow orb; that is how the flame itself appears. That bright yellow orb is where the shuttle itself is. The "enigmatic reflection" is the full oon itself.

Brilliant photo Jim

Incredible shot!

(Go back to bed, Rayray)

Heidi: After Jim's explanation, rather than going to bed, I rewrote this tribute to his brilliant picture.
THE NEW SHIP-MAST

We speak of conquering outer space:
a task the ancient Greeks would shun;
but a vapour trail now leaves its trace -
from a ship that mimes a vibrant sun.

Arising from the oft-used Cape,
this daring shuttle’s lonely probe -
assumes its speed to gain escape,
in a scene as fine as a kingly robe.

Against our expansive Universe,
mankind seems grounded by the Earth;
and her limits now impose a curse,
but above there’s room for our rebirth.

We’ll act; despite! For space ‘is there’;
and as distant outer-realms we seek,
in past resolutions we now share,
such as those conferred on ‘Pole’ or ‘Peak’.

This heroic, new Endeavour states -
contrasting modes of our earthly role;
from magnitude of heaven’s wide gates -
to each microcosmic, human soul.

Bright colour within this clouded sky,
lends everything that we might ask:
it spurs us on like wings that fly -
up-on our appointed, long-term task.

From the engines of this rising ship,
vibrating rippling reds now glow;
as paints from fuel palettes drip,
with the dazzling moon now far below.

The halo from the ship bodes well:
its benevolence thus approves our plan:
and it serves the crew a wakening bell -
that urges beyond an awesome span.

A mirror shines through clouds this night:
as a full moon does in honour cast -
its own silver flare of shining white -
that reveals a vaporous, new ship-mast.

Awesome!

Oh Jim, WOW!! Have been off site for a few days and just found your post on Sat's page. What a wonderful sight to witness and photograph. Thank you!

Whoa, what a view!!!

Amazing!!

That's an absolutely stunning photo, Jim! The colours are incredible!