4 ms·

The spikes on the bottom are the support wires for the staging tower vaporizing a bit faster than the atmosphere.

• mathcomm 14y ago
  Something to do with the electromagnetic heating of the wire being quicker than the energy capture and incandescence of the air?
  • sp332 14y ago
    Right, the wires are more opaque in every part of the spectrum compared to air, so they soak up energy a lot faster.
    • mathcomm 14y ago
      Ah. I suppose being a conductor in normal conditions isn't a factor in this situation (plasma is plasma is plasma). Opacity being the main factor in heating makes sense.
• deleted 14y ago
  [deleted]