Dot Matrix Skywriting Over Toronto - 12:45

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A recent sighting in downtown Toronto featured impressive dot matrix skywriting, observed at 12:45 PM. Initially mistaken for a single plane with multiple pods, it was confirmed that five planes were flying in formation, showcasing a high level of coordination. The precision of the letters suggests that the puffing of smoke is computer-controlled, likely managed by the lead aircraft, with real-time adjustments to maintain formation. A participant shared a friend's photo capturing the event, drawing comparisons to a similar occurrence in California. The discussion also touched on the historical context of this skywriting technique, noting its existence since at least the late 1970s. Participants humorously speculated about the noise produced by the planes and made light of environmental concerns related to ozone depletion, attributing it to space rockets.
DaveC426913
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Seen over downtown Toronto at 12:45. Dot matrix skywriting. Cool. At first I thought it was one plane with a series of pods dragging below it, but we were able to actually spot five planes flying in formation.

The letters are so perfect that the 'puffing' is obviously centrally computer-controlled (probably from the lead craft). We can see that the planes do not stay in perfect formation - some pull slightly ahead, some fall slightly behind. That means that they also have real-time distance tracking tied into alter the puff times of each craft to compensate for being slightly out of position.

A friend got a pic of the writing part way through, so we should be able to see the planes. working on it...
 

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Cool! Does the plane make a loud BZZZZZT with each line?
 
At the speed the dots are being produced, it would have to be more like a "zit...zit...zit...zit..."
 
That is awesome!
 
I saw this happen back in the late 70s over the skies of Northern Virginia. That means that this method is older than dot-matrix printing. I have no idea what the message was, but I watched those planes circle for about an hour.
 
Chi Meson said:
I saw this happen back in the late 70s over the skies of Northern Virginia. That means that this method is older than dot-matrix printing. I have no idea what the message was, but I watched those planes circle for about an hour.

Well, at least the speed of printing was about the same.
 
JaredJames said:
Well, at least the speed of printing was about the same.

But do you need special skies with holes on the edges? :biggrin:
 
physics girl phd said:
But do you need special skies with holes on the edges? :biggrin:

What do you think the issue with the ozone layer is all about... :wink:
 
  • #10
physics girl phd said:
But do you need special skies with holes on the edges? :biggrin:

:smile:
 
  • #11
Holy ****! Now all I want to do is buy Claritin!
 
  • #12
JaredJames said:
What do you think the issue with the ozone layer is all about... :wink:

Hrmm...according to an old guy I heard about, it's all those space rockets we keep shooting up that's putting holes in the zone layer.
 

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