Rocket launches can look very different. All photos courtesy of junior Aidan Field.
The second busiest launch site in the world is located just around the corner at Vandenberg Space Force Base (SFB). This makes the world of aerospace and rockets incredibly close to San Luis Obispo High School students.
Launches happen on average, once every few weeks. Most often, they’re SpaceX launches. Check websites, such as Space Archive, which shows upcoming dates, as well as information about the type of rockets being launched.
A Falcon 9 rocket launch as seen from Buellton.
When these rockets are launched shortly after sunset or before sunrise, they might create the twilight phenomenon, as seen above. This happens when the rocket, and its exhaust get high enough above the Earth, that it reflects sunlight, even though the rest of the sky is dark.
This phenomenon creates a beautiful show in the night sky.
Rocket launch creates a tall plume of smoke.
These rockets can even be visible from SLO. Pay attention closely, and sometimes the noise of the rocket’s powerful engines can be heard all the way here.
At night, rocket launches look alien.
Perhaps the best way to appreciate these launches from SLO is at night, when they’re the brightest thing in the night sky.
The rising rocket almost looks like a rising sun.
One of the coolest ways to see these launches is up-close and in-person. Get a good view of the rocket from Lompoc.
A Falcon 9 rocket takes off from Vandenberg SFB.
It’s an unforgettable experience seeing the rocket up-close. The powerful noise of the engines is overwhelming. These engines are so powerful that they can set off car alarms from miles away.
The booster returns and lands safely at the launch site.
During Falcon 9 rocket launches, the booster will return down the earth after partially accelerating its payload to orbit. The booster comes down at supersonic speeds, creating a sonic boom.
It’s really cool to experience this in-person, but remember to be safe. Stay in legally accessible areas, follow traffic laws, parking laws, and wear protective gear over ears.
Sources: nbcpalmsprings.com, spacearchive.info
