Congress has cut federal funding for public media — a $3.4 million loss for LAist. We count on readers like you to protect our nonprofit newsroom. Become a monthly member and sustain local journalism.
This is an archival story that predates current editorial management.
This archival content was written, edited, and published prior to LAist's acquisition by its current owner, Southern California Public Radio ("SCPR"). Content, such as language choice and subject matter, in archival articles therefore may not align with SCPR's current editorial standards. To learn more about those standards and why we make this distinction, please click here.
Here's A Neat Timelapse Of The Mysterious Missile Launch
There it goes! (Photo courtesy of Jack Fusco)
()
Over the weekend, we were all witness to a bright explosion in the sky, making us all pray to our new alien overlords before finding out that it wasn't a UFO, but rather a government test missile launch. One photographer who was out shooting pictures managed to serendipitously catch the launch on a timelapse video.
Photographer Jack Fusco, who has also captured breathtaking pictures of the Milky Way from a Malibu sea cave, was photographing in San Diego when he just so happened to see the launch of the unarmed Trident missile. He took this timelapse:
People all over Southern California—and even all the way in Arizona and Nevada—reported seeing the bright lights in the sky. The Navy later released a statement, explaining that they were doing a scheduled missile test:
Support for LAist comes from
Navy Strategic Systems Programs conducted scheduled Trident II (D5) missile test flight at sea from USS Kentucky, an Ohio Class SSBN, in the Pacific Test Range off the coast of Southern California. The tests were part of a scheduled, ongoing system evaluation test. Launches are conducted on a frequent, recurring basis to ensure the continued reliability of the system. Each test activity provides valuable information about our systems, thus contributing to assurance in our capabilities.
Even though the Navy kept their missile launch under wraps, the FAA did make an announcement Friday night that flights to and from LAX should avoid flying west over the Pacific Ocean, and airport officials apologized to those living east of the airport for the unexpected noise they would be experiencing. Loren Thompson, a military analyst with the thinktank The Lexington Institute, told the L.A. Times that he believed the Navy kept it a secret for the most part because they didn't want China or Russia knowing about the tests so they could easily monitor the launch and gather sensitive information.
Fusco sent us some other cool photos of the missile launch. You can explore more of Fusco's work on his website, Instagram, Twitter and Facebook page.
()
The launch (Photo courtesy of Jack Fusco)
()
After the explosion (Photo courtesy of Jack Fusco)
Related:
These Starry Malibu Beach Photos Look Out Of This World
As Editor-in-Chief of our newsroom, I’m extremely proud of the work our top-notch journalists are doing here at LAist. We’re doing more hard-hitting watchdog journalism than ever before — powerful reporting on the economy, elections, climate and the homelessness crisis that is making a difference in your lives. At the same time, it’s never been more difficult to maintain a paywall-free, independent news source that informs, inspires, and engages everyone.
Simply put, we cannot do this essential work without your help. Federal funding for public media has been clawed back by Congress and that means LAist has lost $3.4 million in federal funding over the next two years. So we’re asking for your help. LAist has been there for you and we’re asking you to be here for us.
We rely on donations from readers like you to stay independent, which keeps our nonprofit newsroom strong and accountable to you.
No matter where you stand on the political spectrum, press freedom is at the core of keeping our nation free and fair. And as the landscape of free press changes, LAist will remain a voice you know and trust, but the amount of reader support we receive will help determine how strong of a newsroom we are going forward to cover the important news from our community.
Please take action today to support your trusted source for local news with a donation that makes sense for your budget.
Thank you for your generous support and believing in independent news.
Chip in now to fund your local journalism
(
LAist
)
Trending on LAist
-
After rising for years, the number of residential installations in the city of Los Angeles began to drop in 2023. The city isn’t subject to recent changes in state incentives, but other factors may be contributing to the decline. -
The L.A. City Council approved the venue change Wednesday, which organizers say will save $12 million in infrastructure costs.
-
Taxes on the sale of some newer apartment buildings would be lowered under a plan by Sacramento lawmakers to partially rein in city Measure ULA.
-
The union representing the restaurant's workers announced Tuesday that The Pantry will welcome back patrons after suddenly shutting down six months ago.
-
If approved, the more than 62-acre project would include 50 housing lots and a marina less than a mile from Jackie and Shadow's famous nest overlooking the lake.
-
The U.S. Supreme Court lifted limits on immigration sweeps in Southern California, overturning a lower court ruling that prohibited agents from stopping people based on their appearance.
Best of LAist