Lifting of a "Fog Bank", but historically, then again no.

Greetings, I have been reading here, and quite a long way back into the Keyhole forums era but have not posted.

I have recently noticed a curiosity that I see as an Historical Imagery item.

While viewing San Clemente Island off the Southern California coast, which is owned by the U.S. Navy and part of their Sea Range,

until recently the island had been shrouded by a heavy bank of what was obviously fake fog. However, in recent viewings the "fog" seemed to have been lifted. That is, until further investigation shows that the "fog" is still visible in views taken on and before a certain date, and in those cases, also below a certain altitude.

The "fog" is visible in views on and before the 12/2005 date, and becomes visible again only when the eye view altitude drops below 51,132 feet.

The latest date shown when the Historical Imagery window is opened is 12/2020. In this view I can zoom in to ground level without encountering any "fog".San Clemente Island.kmz (750 B)

Note: Sometimes the earliest date when the "fog" shows up is in the 12/2008 view. I don't know why the date changes but I have encountered this apparent time shift when viewing the island in GE on different occasions.

Regards, LL

Hi LL, welcome on the board stage! ( :

Thanks for the heads up and sharing your observation!

Strange it was just last night when amongst my bookmarked threads I have bumped into this "sour-sweet" piece by fellow old-member, daarbennikweer:
googleearthcommunity.proboards.com/thread/8072/googles-camouflage-military-objects-removed

Recently I cannot check your spotting on GE (and skies are blue, viewing on my phone on webGE), however probably it is some related to the "fog" that vanished away from above San Clemente Island.

Taking words of our above mentioned friend;

Happy mapping!

G

syzygy, what a great username.

I have no doubts that the "fog" was ("camoflog"?). This island is constantly in use by the U.S. Navy as well as numerous "Tenant Commands", (temporary military and U.S. government units either on temporary duty or assigned to a military facility in a field office capacity), who carry out certain operations of a secret or above security level.

But what I find even more curious about this veil is the fact that it was lifted at all. And I would not only not be surprised if it were put back in place in the future, I would fully expect it.

Here is a tidbit of info about San Clemente Island:  www.militarybases.us/navy/nalf-san-clemente-island/

Cheers

Sept 2, 2021 22:18:20 GMT laxluthier said:

..., what a great username. ...

Yeah, but did you know Why? You can find the answer in this thread. ( ;