OK, I wasn't really at NASA; I was just across the Indian River Lagoon from it, though. A crisp non-Florida-like evening with a clear sky and an excellent view of Orion was set there just for me while I stood in a park (which was technically closed) with friends and watched the shuttle light up the night like a miniature sunrise.
It was absolutely beautiful. It started with a small spark of light at the base of the shuttle, so small you weren't really sure you were seeing it. Then, quickly expanding, it became a brilliant candle sitting on a bed of bright pink, orange, and blue-limned cotton balls. Finally it was a streak of orange surrounded by blue-grey skies and it's reflection on the river was just like all those gorgeous sunrises I used to watch from my balcony in the towers.
There were cheers of joy and "Oh's" of appreciation. Deb turned to Mike and thanked him for a shuttle launch for her birthday party. I leaned over Yaw's shoulder to see what it looked like on his tiny camcorder. Ian and Holden chased each other around Deb and Mike and the crowd in general celebrated together and separately.
We all watched the shuttle make its way up into the night, slowly becoming a smaller puff-ball of light, and finally looking like a super-brilliant star traveling with purpose to some unknown destination.
I love Florida. It's very good for my imagination.
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