A rocket launch at the Space Station today could be visible along the US East Coast!



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This visibility map highlights areas where it will be easiest to see the launch of the NG-11 from Wallops Island, Virginia starting at 4:46 pm. EDT (08:46 GMT).

(Image: NASA's Wallops © flight installation)

There is a rare opportunity to observe today (17 April) on the east coast of the United States: Northrop Grumman Corp's Antares rocket will be launched in the day from Pad-0A at the Mid-Atlantic Regional Spaceport, at Wallops Flight Facility Air Force Base, Virginia.

Generally, launches from Wallops take place in the early hours of the morning. But with this launch, anyone hoping to see the launch will not have to get up early to catch it because the rocket will launch the spaceship Cygnus at the International Space Station at 16:46 EDT (08:46 GMT).

However, while more people might be inclined to watch 16:46. launch at 4:46 pm, the sunlight will make the launch more difficult to see for remote people. Instead of a brilliant trail on a black sky, which is easy enough to spot, viewers will try to spot the rocket against a bright background.

Related: To be fired! How to see a rocket launch in person

Nevertheless, there are display possibilities for the launch as far as New York. People close to Wallops Island in Virginia and southern Maryland will have the best view, followed by those from Delaware, northern Maryland and eastern Virginia. Although cloud cover and daylight make the launch difficult to see, the event could be visible along the east coast of the United States.

No matter who in the area can attend the launch of NASA's Visitor Center, Wallops, which will open at noon today. NASA has provided advice here which shows you how to watch the launch from the visitor center. The Robert Reed Park on Chincoteague Island and Beach Road, which extends between the Chincoteague and Assateague Islands, will benefit from additional public display areas. However, the beach at Assateague Island Seashore / Chincoteague National Wildlife Refuge will not be open during the launch.

If you are not near Virginia nor in the launch viewing area, you can also watch the rocket take off live at Space.com, courtesy of NASA TV. In addition, Space.com will be Webcasting the live launch on Facebook. Launch coverage will begin at 4:15 pm EDT (08:15 GMT). No matter when you watch the launch, you can find more information about the experience and participate, including listening to the live countdown, at the address Wallops mission status center.

Follow Chelsea Gohd on Twitter @chelsea_gohd. Follow us on twitter @Spacedotcom and on Facebook.

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