Look east after 6:07 p.m. Tuesday for a chance to see the vapor stream in the night sky.
CHARLOTTE, N.C. — SpaceX is set to launch another Falcon9 rocket from Cape Canaveral Tuesday and the launch could be visible in parts of the Carolinas.
The 6:07 p.m. launch time just after sunset means the rocket could be visible from the Carolinas. This is especially true the further east you are and for those with a clear view of the eastern sky.
As the rocket ascends to higher altitudes, it’s possible the rocket’s vapor could be seen streaming across the sky.
Launches such as these can be made visible by the setting sun, which has already darkened the lighting at the surface but continues to illuminate objects in the upper elevations of the sky.
The launch comes at a time when clouds will begin increasing across the Carolinas. The increase in clouds could obscure view of the launch. The best chance to view the launch will be in dark areas with a clear view of the eastern sky.
This photo, taken in eastern Tennessee last September, shows what the vapor stream could look like in the night sky.
Tuesday’s launch will carry 21 new Starlink satellites to space. These satellites will provide both Internet and direct-to-cell capabilities from low-Earth orbit.
The launch had been postponed from Monday.
