Rocket launch could be visible here Monday evening
Update update: The rocket did launch Tuesday. But it exploded shortly after take off. [CNN]
Update: The Monday launch was postponed to Tuesday at 6:22 pm.
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A rocket with supplies for the International Space Station is launching from a NASA site in Virginia early Monday evening -- and we might be able to see it here. The launch is scheduled for 6:45 pm -- and the rocket could be visible here about 3 minutes after launch.
The map above displays when the rocket could be visible in areas along the East Coast:
This map shows the rough time at which you can first expect to see Antares after it is launched. It represents the time at which the rocket will reach 5 degrees above the horizon and varies depending on your location. We have selected 5 degrees as it is unlikely that you'll be able to view the rocket when it is below 5 degrees due to buildings, vegetation, and other terrain features. However, depending on your local conditions the actual time you see the rocket may be earlier or later. As an example, using this map when observing from Washington, DC shows that Antares will reach 5 degrees above the horizon approximately 117 seconds after launch (L + 117 sec).
Note that because the first stage of Antares is liquid fueled, its ascent is slower than the Minotaur rockets that were launched from Wallops last year. Also keep in mind that the video web-cast of the launch is sometimes delayed by up to one minute, if you rely on the web-cast for timing, it may be too late when you look up. In addition to the web-cast we recommend subscribing to our Twitter Feed for up to the minute status.
If conditions are right, the rocket will be visible just above the horizon to the south southeast.
Another rocket was launched from this same site last November, and apparently it was visible here.
Space station: Speaking of the space station, it could be visible here shortly after the rocket launch.
map: Orbital Sciences
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Comments
The rocket exploded just off the ground. It wouldn't have been visible from here.
... said Alex on Oct 28, 2014 at 7:31 PM | link