ROANOKE, Va. – Every now and then, rockets launch off Wallops Island and Cape Canaveral are visible this far inland. Wednesday evening may be one of those opportunities for southwest and central Virginia.
[WATCH LIVE: SpaceX’s Inspiration4 to circle Earth in first private launch]
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SpaceX plans to launch its Inspiration4 rocket off Cape Canaveral Wednesday, Sept. 15, at 8:02 p.m. It is set to become the first all-civilian mission to orbit. This multi-day mission will “eclipse more than 90% of the world’s population,” according to the mission’s website.
Its trajectory shows it going away from the East Coast, increasing in altitude as it does so.
In Southwest and Central Virginia, the sun will have set by then. This provides the backlight needed for us to be able to see the vapor trails shortly after 8:02 Wednesday evening. You’ll preferably need to find a higher spot and look to the southeast/east sky.
Let’s keep our fingers crossed that storm clouds don’t get in our way of the view. For the forecast, be sure to check here.