Ive seen it in person... twice.. Its an incredible experience not only the sights but the sound.
The solid propellent boosters give the appearance of thick solid colums of smoke being pulled from the ground skyward. Bet the enviromentalists have mixed emotions about that
The sound is not defaning but a dull low pitched shudder that you can feel and see in mirrors vibrating.
Ive also heard the double sonic boom from its re-entry on the rare occassion they land back in Florida.
Im sorry I missed this link as usual it hardley even gets a mention in the press these days.
(by the way Dowly your sig gives me migranes... lol)