<center><img src="http://www.digitalfields.com/stoney/rocket_169.jpg"></center><p>
Probably from Vandenburg AFB down the coast (the only base I know to the south), going North-West. Seen low in the sky to the North. This pic is overexposed; it was nearly dark at the time, that hour when satellites are very visible because the sun is illuminating them but not the lower atmosphere where we are.

The NBC news will have pictures and description at 11pm.

When I was a kid in San Fernando Valley (near LA), we saw these all the time, usually going NW, away from us.

<center><img src="http://www.sfgate.com/chronicle/pictures/2002/09/20/mn_vandenberg-rocket-lasky_ap.jpg"></center><p>It was a routine ICBM test, from Vandenburg AFB to the Marshall Islands.

What years were you at VNHS?

Greek Theatre. I was a big concertgoer back then (Gabriel, Metheny, Man Tran, Jarreau, ...).

Actually, went to Birmingham. I was one of the All-American swimming stars there... Had our own pool, and the same coach as my AAU team.

Were you around for the earthquake in, what, 1971?

I was in the valley a bit later than that, but I am all to familiar with the Birmingham swim team. I used to swim competitively back in the day. It would seem they've always been strong.