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December 7, 2006

Look, up in the sky -- it could be shuttle Discovery

If there's a break in the clouds tonight, two things could happen -- the space shuttle Discovery could launch from its pad in Florida and you might be able to see it here in Rhode Island.

The shuttle is on track for a 9:35 p.m. liftoff. But cloud cover and increasing winds could force a postponement of the first night launch in four years.

But if it does take off with its seven-astronaut crew, the shuttle and its trail may become visible along the Eastern Seaboard.

Skies over southeastern New England are shifting from today's clear blue to mostly cloudy, with snow in the forecast overnight.

Still, if a window does appear, viewers in the Northeast are advised to look low in the south or south-southwest skies about six to eight minutes after launch. The Web site space.com says Discovery should look like a bright, pulsating star with a yellowish-orange glow. Those armed with binoculars may be able to see its v-shaped contrail.

But the first task, space.com warns, is to confirm that the shuttle has launched. You can view NASA's broadcast live here.

Posted by Andrea Panciera  at 7:00 PM | Permalink

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