Best video I've seen of the event so far
I'm still looking for a first-hand official statement, plenty of secondary sources say the Coast Guard claimed it to be a navy missile test with no payload.
LAX traffic was scheduled for rerouting well before the occurrence. This suggests that the event was expected to occur, but seems strange because of the week long window LAX reported to CNN.
"The military airspace to the west of LAX will be active for one week, creating traffic route limitations and requiring LAX to temporarily deviate from over-ocean operations," it said.
The military test will continue until November 12.
It would seem to be a LEO (low earth orbit) device, as it appears to be reflecting sunlight off the exhaust. The sudden bloom of light might be explained by the object leaving earth's shadow. I haven't seen the math to confirm the sun/earth placement was correct for that effect though. It is possible that the object was its own source of light.
Several anecdotal claims have been made suggesting the object was visible as far east as Arizona (again implying the object is well outside the atmosphere).
That's about all I've got so far, but I figured someone here is probably researching, so here's what I've got.
Anyone got other theories? I'd love to hear them
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Empire_of_the_mind ago
I believe this was a weapons test to flex in the general direction of Russia.
Vandenberg Air Force Base (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Vandenberg_Air_Force_Base) has long been used for missile and weapons tests.
vault_boy ago
Vandenberg is 20 miles away from me. The missiles they test do not usually look like that.
Empire_of_the_mind ago
this is a special treat. I (and you presumably) recall a handful of similar incidents over the years relating to missile tests at Vandenberg.
They know that firing/testing certain weapons will draw attention - it's just like how North Korea pops one off when they feel like getting in the news. The timing suggests the US is sending a message to someone - gee who could that be...