NASA launch of 3 rockets with colorful vapor trails may be seen from several eastern states

NASA’s launch of three rockets, including two with colorful vapor trails, could be visible across multiple mid-Atlantic states including New Jersey, Pennsylvania and New York.

The launch window, which was delayed by Hurricane Erin last week, opens at 10 p.m. Monday and continues until 3 a.m. Tuesday at NASA’s Wallops Flight Facility in Virginia.

The first two rockets will launch within one minute of each other, releasing colorful vapor tracers similar to compounds used in fireworks.

These tracers will allow scientists to photograph and map wind patterns in the upper atmosphere.

Approximately five minutes later, a third rocket carrying specialized lidar equipment will launch.

This rocket will use a laser tuned to excite sodium atoms naturally present in the atmosphere from meteor dust.