NASA Rocket Launch Could Be Visible In Massachusetts

MASSACHUSETTS — NASA is scheduled to launch a Black Brant XII sounding rocket from their Wallops Flight Facility in Virginia at 7:58 p.m. Friday, and there's a chance residents along the eastern Seaboard — including those in Massachusetts — will be able to watch it streak by.

So far, the local forecast is not cooperating, with mostly cloudy skies expected during the window when the rocket could be seen locally. With rain forecast for the mid-Atlantic, there is also a chance the launch will be scrapped. NASA has several other potential launch windows scheduled between now and May 16.

If skies are clear locally and the launch proceeds as scheduled, look to the southeast about 30 to 60 seconds after the 7:58 p.m. launch time. The rocket is supposed to release vapor when it hits an altitude of 200 miles as part of an experiment.

Related: Eta Aquariid Meteor Shower Peak: How To See It In Massachusetts