Recently, we braved the elements and safely travelled to Florida to attend the Mars2020 launch of the NASA Perseverance Rover. Launched on Thursday July 30th, 2020 at 7:58am Eastern time, which is 4:58PM, upon Atlas V-541 rocket from Launch Complex 41 at Cape Canaveral Air Force Station, Florida. Today we will provide some rocket launch tips for you to use to be successful in your viewing!

This wasn’t necessarily our first rocket launch, so we do have some experience. For some general information and details about attending rocket launches at different launching sites, check out this article here.

Some specific tips that we will provide a bit more information below:

• Arrive Early! Several hours before launch for a spot!
• Bring Water To Stay Hydrated
• Talk To Others As They Can be A Great Source Of Information
• Research Weather
• Dress Accordingly
• Research Launch Viewing Sites

Launch Locations

Knowing where to go to view the launch is crucial. Getting a good spot will make the difference between a successful launch viewing and an amazing launch experience. The best things to do is to research where the launch is occurring, when it is occurring, where the best viewing angle would be, and how early tickets would need to be.

Dress And Weather

As one will be arriving early, and launches can occur in any weather, make sure to dress to be comfortable! And make sure to stay on top of the weather as it will help determine if the launch is cancelled and when the outlook would be. Knowing the outlook is going to be crucial as it will help know when to go viewing and how to dress.

Weather And Visibility

Although virtually anywhere with an unobstructed view is good for viewing, the weather and timing of the launch affect the viewing and visibility. Cloudy weather definitely affects how high one can see the rocket in the sky during launch, and at night you can actually see stage separation when it’s clear. 

Launchday Tips

When launch day arrives, make sure to get to your designated spot early! Launch sites will fill up early and quickly! Getting there early will guarantee that you have a great view of the launch.

When waiting for the launch at the designated launch site that you choose, bring water to stay hydrated and talk to others as they can be a great source of information. The last thing you want to do is become dehydrated and have to go to the hospital. Moreover, talking to others can help not only you two learn things, but you never know who you will meet!