40 yrs ago tonight - launch of Infrared Astronomical Satellite (IRAS) from Vandenberg AFB. Revolutionized our knowledge of FIR Universe, data still useful. Delta plume was beautifully backlit from Tucson; in front of apt w/binoculars, I followed it through 2nd stage sep. Didn't think of camera!

(As Tod Lauer pointed out, 41 years - my brain remains stuck in 2023. Everything else still holds, though)