Space fans were waiting anxiously, on Monday night, the launch of the Falcon 9 rocket, from the company Spacexfrom Florida. In fact, between 8:54 pm and 8:58 pm. His impressive Estela illuminated the sky of Puerto Rico.
However, some observers captured another curious detail: an apparent reddish cloud.
This was shown by images captured by the follower of the Caribbean Astronomy Society (SAC) Frankie Lucena in Cabo Rojo, as well as a video taken from Añasco by Eddie Irizarry RoblesVice President of the SAC.
According to the educational entity, Stephen Hummel, astronomer from McDonald University in Texas, confirmed that “It was a hole caused by the rocket in the ionosphere, a layer of the atmosphere. ”
The SAC said that, although it is not the first time that this effect is captured, it tends to generate curiosity among the people who see it.
According to the non -profit organization, the apparent “Reddish hole” It occurs due to the emission of rocket gases, among which is water vapor and carbon dioxide.
When these compounds interact with gases in the atmosphere, a reddish color is created, similar to the effect that occurs when red auroras can be seen in some places.
The SAC explained that studies indicate that, apparently, this does not have a permanent effect, since the holes in the ionosphere disappear in a short time.
However, additional investigations could reveal if it would have any long -term effect, due to the large number of rockets that are being launched to space.
The educational entity informed that this time, as part of the mission “Bandwagon-3”, the Falcon 9 would bring to the space Add 425Sat-3 military from Korea, as well as another “Tomorrow-7” weather satellite.
Likewise, it would transport a German capsule as part of a re-entertainment experiment to the atmosphere.