Linear view vs. Masonry View

Tag Archive for ‘video’

Launch Day

I’m not exactly a space cadet, but since I was nearby I figured I should at least watch the launch this past Tuesday morning. So at 6am I parked at the beach access that the turtle ranger from the day before had recommended. There are closer viewing spots but those tend to fill up much earlier in the morning than I was willing to deal with. I used a railing to support my phone, and I must say, I’m pretty pleased with the results.

This launch from Canaveral Space Force Station was carrying cargo for the International Space Station, packed with over 6,000 pounds of science equipment and supplies. The Cargo Dragon’s journey to the ISS was scheduled to take two days.

In my video below, you can see the white speck of the spacecraft leaving the “space jelly” cloud on its way to the ISS while at the end the orange glow is the first stage booster returning to Landing Zone 40 near the launch pad. I read that it was the 8th successful launch and return for that booster, which seems pretty impressive to me considering the incredible heat and pressure it must encounter each time.

If you want to watch a launch, there’s another one scheduled for Monday, October 19, 2026 at 3:30am.

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Who Goes There?

Grainy Screenshot from the Video Below

The camera in my front yard recorded a furtive animal a couple months ago. I delayed sharing the video because I had hoped to get species confirmation from Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC).

I used a process of elimination to narrow down the list of possible species. Based on the darting, somewhat secretive behavior, lean body, long snout, and short legs of the animal, I’ve ruled out raccoon, opossum, and stray cat. Which really only leaves members of the mustelid family.

Since FWC is collecting data on mustelid sightings to better understand their prevalence, I sent over my information but I have yet to get a response. Presuming that this animal was not an escaped or released exotic pet, there are three members of the weasel family native to the state to consider: North American River Otter (Lontra canadensis), American Mink (Neogale vison), and Long-tailed Weasel (Neogale frenata).

While I do live across the street from a small waterway where otters have been spotted, the smallish size of this animal leads me to believe it’s not an otter. Since it’s not as small and narrow as a weasel, I’m fairly certain it’s an American Mink, a species that also lives along waterways. A cool, new species for my yard!
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