http://channel6newsonline.com/2010/1...f-perspective/
I think this explains it. Seems weird either way.
"According to contrailscience.com, the idea that it is a missile launch originates from three misconceptions: "firstly that the trail is vertical – it's not, it's a horizontal trail, at around 32,000 feet (about six miles); secondly, the misconception of direction, that it's flying away from the viewer, when it's actually flying towards the viewer; and thirdly, the idea that it goes all the way down to the ground." "