Discussion: another starlink-9 launch attempt tonight

Look like they will make yet another attempt to launch the starlink-9 group tonight (actually 1:12 AM EDT tomorrow, Fri morning). Weather is 70%. If they scrub they'll try again early Sat morning, weather 80%. Livestream at the usual place:

https://www.spacex.com/launches/

As usual, the starlink launch path is right up the east coast. It should be visible with a low enough SE horizon, but it will only be visible during the 8 or so minutes after launch while the engines are burning. It will be in shadow the whole way up. This entire group of sats will be equipped with the new sunshades, so best bet for seeing them is early during orbit raising. We have opportunities in the early mornings, although the passes are all low. Truckee will get a look at them after the third orbit Fri morning, with a short pass exiting shadow at 3:02 AM. The first orbit is poor for Moncton, but the 2nd and 3rd orbits are very favorable there at 3:57 and 5:30 AM ADT. The 3:57 AM pass will come out of shadow near the bright blue star Vega. Good Moncton passes Sat morning as well.

Here's the ground track map of the first two orbits starting at 1:12 AM EDT Fri Aug 7:

http://www.catchingfeatures.com/eddie/starlink/sta...

Pass predicts for Truckee:
https://www.heavens-above.com/StarlinkLaunchPasses...

Pass Predicts for Moncton:
https://www.heavens-above.com/StarlinkLaunchPasses...