SpaceX launch could be visible from Carolinas Tuesday
The launch, which carried satellites into orbit, was visible in the southern sky.
CHARLOTTE, N.C. — SpaceX launched another Falcon 9 rocket from Cape Canaveral Tuesday and the launch was visible in parts of the Carolinas.
The 6:13 p.m. launch just after sunset meant the rocket was viewable 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 ascended to higher altitudes, the rocket’s vapor could be seen streaming across the sky. WCNC Charlotte viewer Jim Anderson saw it in the sky from his home in Allens Crossroads, North Carolina. He recorded the rocket as it streaked across the evening sky.
Viewer Barbara Johnson in Mooresville also snapped a photo of the rocket around the same time.
The launch was also seen in the southern sky from Matthews, North Carolina.
Russell Brainerd spotted the launch from in Sharon, South Carolina.
WCNC Weather Impact Chief Meteorologist Brad Panovich said the best chance of viewing this vapor was the rocket launching right at the beginning of its launch window. Any further delays could have meant the rocket was harder to see in the night 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. This period of time only works while sunlight remains in the upper atmosphere. Once the sun fully sets, the vapor would not be illuminated in the same way.
The launch happened at a time when clouds began increasing across the Carolinas, which could have obscured the view of the launch. Luckily, the clouds held off long enough to make the launch visible.
The launch carried the Maxar 3 mission to orbit. The mission released satellites into orbit that will be used to take high-resolution imagery of Earth.
Another launch on Tuesday carried 21 new Starlink satellites to space. These satellites will provide both Internet and direct-to-cell capabilities from low-Earth orbit.
Editor’s Note: This article has been updated to clarify the launch visible in the Carolinas was the Maxar mission and not the Starlink launch.
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