Look Up To The Sky For A Chance To Spot Both A Rocket And A Comet Over New Jersey This Week

Now is a fantastic time to look up at the sky in New Jersey! We've got two major events going on this week - one celestial and the other technological. Will you be trying to spot both?

On Wednesday, July 15th, at approximately 8:30 a.m., look up for the chance to spot a Minotaur rocket.

The Minotaur is a family of rockets converted from ballistic missiles. Each of 5 Minotaur rockets serves a specific purpose. The Minotaur IV will be launched Wednesday and is designed for Low Earth Orbit (LEO).

The rocket, which will be sending a classified payload for the National Reconnaissance Office (in charge of intelligence satellites), will depart from Eastern Virginia's NASA Wallops Flight Facility.

The visibility prediction map shown here indicates that New Jerseyans across the state will have a good chance of spotting the rocket. Those south of 195 will have the best chance.

We've also got an exciting NEW comet visible over New Jersey this week, and throughout much of July.

Comet NEOWISE was discovered just 4 months ago and it is visible to the naked eye.

The comet should be visible throughout the week in the predawn hours, beginning around 4 a.m. - look toward the Northeastern sky. Binoculars will provide an even better view!

After July 14th, it should be visible in the evening sky after sunset.

NEOWISE is one of the brightest comets in recent years and it's putting on quite a show. It will be closest to Earth on July 22, when it should be spotted (weather permitting) just below the Big Dipper constellation around 80 minutes after sunset. This comet will not be seen for another 6,800 years. If you are unable to see the comet, you can at least check out this incredible timelapse video captured by John Entwistle Photography, taken along the Jersey shore.

If you're unable to get outside to enjoy the rocket launch, you're also in luck. It will be streaming live (7/15) on the NASA Wallops YouTube channel.