Ask the Meteorologist: When, where you should look for Monday's Atlas V rocket launch?
WRAL • • general
Key Points:
- The Atlas V rocket is scheduled to launch on Monday night, April 27, 2026, with a mission to deploy satellites that will provide fast, reliable internet to underserved communities.
- The launch window is between 8:52 p.m. and 9:51 p.m., shortly after local sunset in Raleigh, creating ideal lighting conditions to see the rocket's vapor trail.
- Observers are encouraged to look toward the eastern sky about three minutes after launch, where the vapor trail may appear illuminated and resemble a "jellyfish" due to the sun's low angle and Earth's curvature.
- The rocket will travel east, and the vapor trail's unique appearance is caused by sunlight reflecting off it while the sky is darkening.
- Viewers who capture photos or videos of the launch are invited to share them at www.wral.com/reportit.
