NASA Creates "Clouds" in the Upper Atmosphere

NASA launched 5 rockets early Tuesday morning to do testing in the upper atmospehere. The launch took place at Wallops Island, VA, on the Delmarva Peninsula, and around 5 am the first rocket took off. All 5 rockets were launched within 5 minutes of each other over the Atlantic Ocean. The mission was to measure wind speeds 65 miles above Earth. The rockets each released an aluminum powder which ignited once it reacted with oxygen in the atmosphere. This created a bright white fire that mixed with the high speed winds. The rockets were off the ground and back in the ocean in less than 10 minutes and the chemical reaction could be seen for about 20 minutes.

NASA did this to track the clouds, which will give scientists information to create better models for the electromagnetic region of space. This region is know to damage satellites and disrupt communications. Since wind speeds in that region can top 200 mph, the turbulence is a lead factor in the disruption of satellites and communications. With the information that was collected, scientists will have a better understanding of that region of our upper atmosphere.

A spokes person from NASA says the spectacular light display was the best one from Wallops Island in 50 years. The "clouds of fire" could be seen from North Carolina, to West Virginia, and to New York.