The Orbital-2 (Orb-2) mission launched successfully this morning (July 13, 2014) via the commercial Antares rocket from NASA Wallops Island, Virginia. @NASA_Wallops had said on Twitter this morning:
Weather looks great!
This map – from Orbital Sciences Corporation – shows the rough time at which those in the U.S. Northeast can first expect to see the Orbital-2 launch today in the sky. It represents the time at which the rocket will reach 5 degrees above the horizon and varies depending on your location. Orbital Sciences said it selected 5 degrees as it is unlikely that you’ll be able to view the rocket when it is below 5 degrees due to buildings, vegetation, and other terrain features. As an example, using this map when observing from Washington, DC shows that Antares will reach 5 degrees above the horizon more after than a minute.
Deborah Byrd (asteroid 3505 Byrd) helps edit EarthSky.org and is a frequent host of EarthSky videos. Deborah created the EarthSky radio series in 1991 and founded EarthSky.org in 1994. Prior to that, she had worked for the University of Texas McDonald Observatory since 1976, and created and produced their Star Date radio series. She has won a galaxy of awards from the broadcasting and science communities, including having an asteroid named in her honor in 1990, a Public Service Award from the National Science Board in 2003, and the Education Prize from the American Astronomical Society in 2020. A science communicator and educator since 1976, Byrd believes in science as a force for good in the world and a vital tool for the 21st century. "Being an EarthSky editor is like hosting a big global party for cool nature-lovers," she says.
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