Wingtip vortices mark the path of Discovery as she makes her final landing. Though not always visible, these vortices are generated by any lifting body planform and can be a major source of induced drag on the craft. Here the vortices are visible because the low pressure in the core of the vortex caused a local temperature drop below the dew point, thus causing condensation. Such vortices persist for significant lengths of time in the wake of aircraft; they are a major source of wake turbulence, which limits how frequently aircraft can take-off or land on a single runway. (Photo by Jen Scheer)
Discovery Wingtip Vortices
