Rocket Launch That Could Be Visible Over Seacoast Tries Again

Could the fifth time be the charm for the launch of the Black Brant XII rocket from NASA’s Wallops Flight Facility in Virginia?

Postponed every night since Friday because of concern about upper level wind NASA said it will give it another try on Tuesday night at 8 p.m. Clear skies with lighter winds both at the surface and aloft are forecast for the area of the flight facility

Our chances of seeing the launch here in New Hampshire are very good as well.

Meteorologist Margaret Curtis at the National Weather Service in Gray, Maine, said the Seacoast is the best area to view the vapor from the launch as skies will be clear right along the coast. There could be some scattered clouds inland, Curtis said.

What rocket is being launched?

A four-stage Black Brant XII rocket is scheduled to be launched at 8:04 p.m., just after sunset, with a launch window of 40 minutes. The launch was originally scheduled for Friday but was scrubbed due to weather.

Where can I see the rocket?

It could be visible over much of the eastern United States.

What you'll see will be the release of barium vapor 9 or 10 minutes into the launch forming two green-violet clouds that may be visible for about 30-60 seconds in northeastern Massachusetts and southern New Hampshire including the immediate Seacoast and 60 to 90 seconds in southern Maine.

Rocket emissions cause weird colors

Immediately after the vapor is released, spherical clouds will form which are a mixture of green and violet and last about 30 seconds. After exposure to sunlight the vapor clouds quickly ionize and take on a violet color.

The barium vapor is not harmful to the environment or public health.

Livestream video of rocket launch

Live coverage of the mission will be available on the Wallops IBM video site (beginning at 7:40 p.m.

Contact reporter Dan Alexander at Dan.Alexander@townsquaremedia.com or via Twitter @DanAlexanderNH