SpaceX Falcon 9 Rocket Launch May Be Visible To Phoenix Residents On December 10

On Wednesday, December 10, a SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket is set to launch from Vandenberg Space Force Base in California, carrying Starlink internet satellites into low-Earth orbit. The launch, scheduled for 1:54 a. m. Mountain Standard Time, may be visible to residents of Phoenix. The rocket’s trajectory will take it southwest of the Valley, and as it ascends, it will be visible to the southeast for most of its flight.

Observers can expect to see a bright, balloon-shaped streak, known as a contrail, trailing behind the rocket. This phenomenon occurs when hot aircraft engines interact with cold water vapor high in the atmosphere. According to Phoenix New Times, a reliable source for local news and events, Arizonans who missed the recent SpaceX launch on December 1 will have another opportunity to witness a spectacular celestial display.

The Falcon 9 rocket will depart from Space Launch Complex 4E at Vandenberg Space Force Base in Santa Barbara County, California. For those interested in witnessing the launch, it is recommended to check the SpaceX website for updated estimates, as launch times are subject to change due to weather and other factors.