Why is this missile positioned in this odd position? How can it be launched correctly?
You're seeing the Sidewinder on the folded up wingtip of the F-18 that is in the foreground out of frame except for its wing tip and missile sticking up at the bottom.  The airplane is between the camera and the adjacent F-18 who's canopy is visible.  The long lens being used foreshortens and compresses everything distance wise so it looks like the missile is 6 inches from the canopy when it's actually probably 20-30 ft closer to the camera.