Normally I'm in the U.S. Southeast, but I will be in California for this launch (assuming it happens in the second half of January). I'm familiar with east coast viewability of launches from the Cape, but no clue about west coast. How far north in California would the launch be viewable, if only a bright spec in the far distance?If Jan 17-24, I'll be on a hilltop north of San Francisco looking towards the south ...If Jan 24-30, I'll be in Los Angeles ...
Quote from: ChrisC on 12/30/2015 04:57 amNormally I'm in the U.S. Southeast, but I will be in California for this launch (assuming it happens in the second half of January). I'm familiar with east coast viewability of launches from the Cape, but no clue about west coast. How far north in California would the launch be viewable, if only a bright spec in the far distance?If Jan 17-24, I'll be on a hilltop north of San Francisco looking towards the south ...If Jan 24-30, I'll be in Los Angeles ...San Francisco will be the equivalent of watching KSC from Savannah, Georgia. I assume that's not great.My map fu is a bit weaker to LA but I think that's the equivalent of watching from Jacksonville FL. Probably still not great.CA is big.
I'm heading to Lompoc to go see my first SpaceX launch...and maybe my first landing? Got everything all set, just need to figure out a good spot to view this launch and a possible landing attempt if such is in the works. (Of course if it's a barge landing then I'll need a place with good wifi as I doubt I'd be able to watch it in person).Will only be staying Sat night/Sun midday at present but have the option to extend if needed
San Francisco will be the equivalent of watching KSC from Savannah, Georgia. I assume that's not great. My map fu is a bit weaker to LA but I think that's the equivalent of watching from Jacksonville FL. Probably still not great. CA is big.
hi allI need some informations about forthcoming Falcon launch. In January I will be in Las Vegas for training period (I come from Europe). For me this is the unique opportunity to see rocket launch (maybe the only one in my life ). I would like to be very close so I decide to be on Renwick Ave (whereas the Surf Beach will be closed ).How long in advance is good to be in the place? Is there a lot of people? I go from Ventura, probably without internet, does exist some local radio station with launch info?I really hope for the first time launch because I have only free days 16-17 January. Thanks for answersPaul
Well, the scheduled opening of launch window should be a firm time whenever it is published (usually few days prior to launch). Rocket can't go up before that time. So I guess if you are at your spot before that time, all good. Might want to be bit early, as the rocket won't wait if you are delayed by traffic or something :p
I hope you get to see the launch, Paul!
Is there a particular location along W. Ocean Ave for that's best for viewing? I'm planning to drive up from LA to watch the launch.
Paul I'd focus on having a very up to date (with road upgrades) GPS system. Do lots of travel research, its not easy on those CA roads. Weather is radically different this year. There are some mountain passes you need to contend with. Coming from Europe you need to be up on your travel research.
Quote from: Prober on 01/02/2016 02:23 pmPaul I'd focus on having a very up to date (with road upgrades) GPS system. Do lots of travel research, its not easy on those CA roads. Weather is radically different this year. There are some mountain passes you need to contend with. Coming from Europe you need to be up on your travel research.I acknowledge and working on it. Thank you
I'll be flying in to BUR and heading up US 101, given the weather this year, would it be better to go up 101 to Buellton then 246 west to Lompoc, or to take Route 1 up to Lompoc, which I remember was a little bit "twisty" last time I used it to get to Lompoc for the Landsat launch?