Wednesday to bring another gem, another launch

The weather on Tuesday was amazingly comfortable, with plenty of sun and a light breeze. When we said earlier this week that the weather would be incredible this entire work week, we weren’t kidding. Another gem of a day is expected on Wednesday, as highs will moderate only a few degrees towards the lower to mid 70’s. A Canadian high pressure system will remain in control through Friday, and highs will rise a little bit each day as the airmass modifies. But clear skies and light winds are expected once again on Wednesday — making the midweek day especially pleasant. A chilly start can be expected once again for the morning commute on Wednesday, as lows will dip into the upper 30’s and 40’s in the suburbs for the second straight morning.

Surface map and observations from the evening of Tuesday 9/17/2013, showing high pressure dominating the weather in the Eastern US.

Another historic rocket launch: NASA is hoping to launch another rocket from Wallops Island, VA on Wednesday September 18th. The unmanned rocket is scheduled to lift off from the Wallops Island facility at 10:50am EDT Wednesday. More interesting, perhaps, is the fact that the rocket is carrying the first ever fully functional Cygnus commerical resupply vehicle to the International Space Station. The powerful two-phase rocket launch will be visible throughout much of the Eastern Seaboard, but the northward extent is somewhat limited — and is not expected to rise much above the horizon in parts of Southeast New York and New England.

Expected viewing of the rocket launch from “Top of the Rock” observation deck in New York City. The best viewing of the rocket throughout the area will be in the South/Southeast skies.

If you live in New Jersey, Southeast New York, or on Long Island — you’re in luck. You’ll be able to see the rocket when it launches at 10:50am (the launch time may be adjusted as the event nears, so stay tuned). If you are able to capture the rocket launch, be sure to send us pictures or videos! The pleasant weather should make for ideal viewing.