Tonight there is a scheduled launch of a SpaceX Falcon 9 from Vandenberg that has the potential for an impressive show in the evening sky. Here is an excerpt from the Launch Alert email list:
---------------------------------------------------------------------- FRIDAY LAUNCH VISIBILITY Friday evening's launch of a Falcon 9 rocket from Vandenberg AFB appears to be on schedule. The vehicle is slated to lift off from south base at 17:27:23 PST and carry several Iridium NEXT commercial communications satellites into orbit. Following liftoff, the vehicle will climb vertically for several before it begins a gradual turn and heads south. The rocket's bright flame should be visible over a wide area. However, since this launch occurs 30 minutes after Vandenberg AFB sunset, it could be impressive beginning at T+ 2 minutes 12 seconds when simulations show the exhaust plume will be illuminated at high altitude by the sun. ----------------------------------------------------------------------
If the launch happens on time, at 5:27 p.m., it should appear as a remarkable exhaust plume in the general direction of south west.
Best regards,
Mojo