A SpaceX rocket with four first time astronauts is set to launch from the Kennedy Space Center on Wednesday night and it might be visible from North Carolina.
The 8:02 pm liftoff time comes about 40 minutes after sunset for central North Carolina. As the sun sinks below the horizon, it is still shining at higher altitudes. The rocket’s exhaust plume, especially as it expands in the thinner upper atmosphere, may be visible.
Beginning shortly after 8 p.m., look to the southeast, initially low on the horizon. The rocket will be moving from your right to your left as it climbs the hill towards orbit.
This launch isn’t expected to be as prominent as pre-dawn launches. This is because we’ll be looking at light from the setting sun reflected off the plume instead of shining through from the rising sun.
On board will be billionaire entrepreneur Jared Isaacman along with three guests: Geoscientist and science communicator Sian Proctor, physician assistant Hayley Arcenaux, and Chris Sembroski a former U.S. Space Camp counselor.
Launch weather is looking good with the latest forecast from the US Space Force’s 45th Weather Squadron predicting 90% favorable conditions.
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