The ATREX program was planned to study wind currents in the upper atmosphere. The rockets launched from NASA’s Wallops Flight Facility in Virginia releasing a chemical tracer into the air. The chemical — a substance called trimethyl aluminum — forms milky, white clouds that allow those on the ground to “see” the winds in space and track them with cameras.
Here are some of the Photographs taken of the glowing trails.
Credit: Alicia Bruce Loudoun County, Virginia
Credit: Rick Darke Landenberg, PA
Credit: Jeff Berkes Philadelphia, Pa
Credit: NASA Wallops Island, Va.
Credit: Jack Fusco Seaside Park, N.J.
