In a message dated 99-07-27 19:48:41 EDT, you write: << For those in a position to see the Shuttle re-entry at night (tonight), I would suggest that you don't miss it. I saw the STS-78 re-entry (July 1996?) over central California when it was still dark (barely). >> I agree. I saw a shuttle entry from central Missouri a several years ago (c. 1990). We drove out to be near the ground track, and as a result it went by with incredible speed. It seems as fast as a shooting star, but it was probably more like half that. Definitely much faster than any satellite I've ever seen. It was about 15 minutes before sunrise, so the visible plasma trail was never more than about 30 degrees long, and that only when it was closest to us. The head of the track was very bright white, with the rest of the trail appearing orange. After it headed well to the south, and it's apparent motion had slowed down, I looked at it with binoculars. There was an easily visible trail appearing as a bright streak low above the horizon. I was able to follow it this way for a minute or so. Jim Mason