Science
SoCal Sky to Host Rare West Coast Rocket Launch
Space enthusiasts and early risers in Southern California have a rare opportunity to witness a rocket launch from the West Coast on Friday, May 19, 2023. The SpaceX Falcon 9 is scheduled to lift off from Vandenberg Space Force Base shortly after sunrise, around 6:19 a.m. local time. If the weather and conditions cooperate, the launch may be visible from much of the region, including Los Angeles, San Diego, and Santa Barbara.
The Falcon 9 is a two-stage rocket designed and operated by SpaceX, the private space company founded by Elon Musk in 2002. The rocket has been used for a variety of missions, from launching satellites and cargo to the International Space Station (ISS), to deploying Starlink internet satellites and testing new space technologies. The Falcon 9 has become a familiar sight on the East Coast, where it frequently launches from SpaceX’s launch complex at Cape Canaveral in Florida. However, West Coast launches are much rarer, due to the limited availability of launch sites and the different trajectories required for some missions.
The Vandenberg Space Force Base is located near Lompoc, about 150 miles northwest of Los Angeles. The base is used for a variety of space and missile operations, including launches to polar orbits and intercontinental ballistic missile tests. The Falcon 9 launch on Friday will carry a yet-to-be-announced payload, but it is expected to be a commercial or government satellite, rather than a crewed mission.
To watch the launch from Southern California, viewers should find a clear view of the eastern horizon, preferably with a low or unobstructed skyline. The best locations are likely to be high points, such as hills, mountains, or coastal bluffs, that offer a wide view of the sky. Binoculars or telescopes may enhance the viewing experience, but are not necessary. The launch may appear as a bright spot or streak in the sky, followed by a plume of exhaust as the rocket ascends and separates from its first stage. The duration of the visible launch may vary depending on the distance and angle from the launch site, but is expected to last a few minutes at most.
As always, space launches are subject to change or delay due to technical, weather, or other factors. Viewers should check the official SpaceX or Vandenberg Space Force Base websites or social media accounts for the latest updates and information. The launch is expected to be livestreamed on SpaceX’s YouTube channel and website, for those who prefer to watch it from the comfort of their homes or devices.
Overall, the rare West Coast rocket launch on Friday morning promises to be a memorable event for space enthusiasts and curious observers in Southern California. Not every day you get to see a rocket launch from your backyard, especially one that may mark a new era of space exploration and innovation.
