NYC Comets
Night Launch
Last night, I watched the launch of the Space Shuttle on TV, then I rushed outside to see if I could see the Shuttle. For missions to the International Space Station, they launch right up the Eastern coast of the US, a little out to sea, and even though NYC is nearly 1,000 miles away, the Shuttle can briefly become visible very low in the southeast like a quickly rising star that after a minute abruptly winks out when the main engine cuts off. My neighborhood, though, is full of lights and obstructions, and I wasn't able to see it this time. (I've had better luck when watching for the launches from the Empire State Building.)
Night Launch
Last night, I watched the launch of the Space Shuttle on TV, then I rushed outside to see if I could see the Shuttle. For missions to the International Space Station, they launch right up the Eastern coast of the US, a little out to sea, and even though NYC is nearly 1,000 miles away, the Shuttle can briefly become visible very low in the southeast like a quickly rising star that after a minute abruptly winks out when the main engine cuts off. My neighborhood, though, is full of lights and obstructions, and I wasn't able to see it this time. (I've had better luck when watching for the launches from the Empire State Building.)