Launch-Alert says the launch is still on schedule but advises that conditions are such that it probably will not be visible from this far way. Of course the incoming clouds may make the whole thing moot anyway... patrick On 21 Sep 2013, at 04:19, Patrick Wiggins wrote:
The Launch-alert mailing list* advises that a Minuteman III is scheduled to launch from Vandenberg AFB tomorrow (Sunday) morning between 4:01 and 10:01 MDT.
I've seen three VAFB launches over the years from this area, two from here in Stansbury Park and one during a star party at the Midvale Harmons.
Conditions and the missile's trajectory have to be just right to make it visible from here (which is why I've only seen 3 of the many VAFB launches) so no guarantees on seeing it.
I could only see two of the launches with binoculars but the third was backlit by the recently set Sun and was easy naked eye and really dramatic. Unfortunately this one is not going to be back lit so the best I'm hoping for will be seeing the exhaust flame.
Launches tend to happen very early in the launch window so if you've not seen anything by 4:20ish you may want to pack it in.
As seen from the SLC area VAFB is located at about azimuth 230 degrees magnetic.
patrick