NASA Rocket Launch May Be Visible In MD Monday: How To See It

Annapolis MD

10 May, 2021

6:41 PM

Description

MARYLAND — After three postponements, NASA is scheduled to launch a Black Brant XII rocket from its Wallops Flight Facility in Virginia at 8:04 p.m. Monday, and there's a chance it will be visible to Maryland skywatchers. According to the National Weather Service, it will be partly cloudy in the Baltimore region at the time of the launch. Unfavorable weather conditions forced NASA to scrub launches planned for Friday, Saturday and Sunday nights. NASA has several other potential launch windows scheduled between now and May 16. If skies are clear locally and the launch proceeds as scheduled, look to the southeast about 10 to 30 seconds after the 8:04 p.m. launch time, depending on what part of Maryland you're in. The rocket is supposed to release vapor when it hits an altitude of 200 miles as part of an experiment. According to a Monday afternoon tweet from NASA's Wallops Flight Facility, the weather is looking "better" for tonight's launch attempt. The launch window will open at 8:04 p.m. and remain open for 40 minutes. RELATED: Eta Aquariid Meteor Shower Peak: Will MD Weather Allow Viewing?