How to see the SpaceX rocket after it launches on Saturday
It's Wednesday launch was postponed
Last updated 29th May 2020
We were all a bit gutted when the launch of SpaceX's Crew Dragon was called off on Wednesday (27th May) at the last minute, due to the weather in Florida.
However, a Saturday (30th May) launch is now planned to go ahead, and although we won't be able to see the rocket straight after launch, we should be able to see it on subsequent orbits.
NASA and SpaceX have teamed up to launch the Crew Dragon spacecraft which will carry two astronauts, Doug Hurley and Bob Behnken. The astronauts will go to the International Space Station as part of the 'final major test for SpaceX’s human spaceflight system'.
If all goes to plan, the rocket will launch at 8.22pm UK time on Saturday, however unfortunately as the sun hasn't set here, it will mean it is too light for the rocket to be visible.
According to Meteorwatch.org we might be able to see it when it passes over the UK later in the evening. The website states, 'The pass will be very low in the sky near the horizon and will be a challenge to spot. It may be too low to be visible in Scotland, Northern Ireland and Northern England.'
However, we may be able to see it pass over the UK at around 10.15pm UK time on Saturday.
After the rocket has launched it will make its way to the International Space Station where it will dock. After the mission has been completed, it will then return with two astronauts on board, re-entering the Earth's atmosphere and landing in the Atlantic Ocean off the coast of Florida.
With a favourable weather forecast, good luck viewing on Saturday night. Don't forget to wrap up warm and remember to follow social distancing rules.
Even if the launch doesn't go ahead, there are plenty of other things you can see in the night sky, including the Moon and Jupiter both being visible for most of the night.
Although there aren't any meteor showers at the moment, it's still possible to see some meteors, or shooting stars as they are also called.
Here are some tips on how to see shooting stars:
1. Dark sky
You might not realise how much light pollution there is in your neighbourhood, find out more about light pollution and where you can find a really dark sky here.
Allow your eyes 15 minutes to adjust to the darkness. Don't forget that the moon can also interfere so try to avoid times when it is visible.
2. Date and time
To increase your chances of seeing some meteors make sure you find out the best time to look for them. Often it is when the sky is at its darkest (in the middle of the night), or if there is a meteor shower, when the radiant (where the meteors come from - the constellation Leo) is high in the sky.
3. Look in the right area
It sounds obvious, but the sky is a very large area and meteors are very fast! Make sure you know which area of the sky you should be looking in. The Perseids come from Perseus, the easiest way to find it would be to use a free sky map app on your phone.
4. Good weather
Again, it seems obvious, but there's no point in standing in the cold when it's cloudy. Check the weather forecast before going outside, and if it's going to be clear later on then wait until then if you can.
5. Don't use a telescope or binoculars
Using a telescope or binoculars will DECREASE your chances of seeing a meteor. Meteors are so quick that you are likely to miss them if you don't use the naked eye. Save your telescope or binoculars for the moon or planets.
Now read:
Now take a look at 10 things you probably didn't know about shooting stars.
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