Original Source: http://gizmodo.com/5250975/atlantis-launch-infrared-photo-so-crispy-you-actually-want-to-bite-it

Original Source: http://gizmodo.com/5...want-to-bite-it

Looks like someone forgot to remove the jumper leads!

If this is the new rocket could it have a much higher velocity exhaust? Those columns of hot gas look much more compact than I remember from previous US rocket launches.

why do these rockets always look rusty? can they not afford the paint?

Might just be that it's not a visible light photo but some sort of enhanced IR. That could explain the look of the exhaust gasses too.