Thread by @MaryRobinette

Good morning! Ready to try again for a rocket launch?

While you're waiting, remember that the Persiad meteor shower is also happening. You don't have to be in Florida to see it.

#NASAsocial #SolarProbe

Granted, having written #thecalculatingstars there's a different resource to watching meteors while waiting for a rocket launch...

#NASAsocial #SolarProbe

Stargazing while waiting for launch.

By which I mean looking at stars through a telescope.

#NASAsocial #SolarProbe

We're about fourteen minutes away from launch and everything is currently in Go conditions.

It's muggier tonight, which apparently means that we're likely to feel the launch more as the sound waves compress the air.

#NASASocial #SolarProbe

Atmospheric conditions affect the way you feel the launch. When the shuttle took off, some days at the VAB, the sound would nearly knock you down as if a sub-woofer were attached to your chest. Other days it was a quiet pffff...

#NASASocial #SolarProbe

We're entering the poll as each station will report in. Everyone here is utterly quiet listening to the litany of Go.

All stations report go conditions!

"You have permission to launch" are beautiful words.

#NASASocial #SolarProbe

Just a reminder that as soon as launch begins, I will abandon you so I can just watch. You should be watching on NASA tv

nasa.gov/nasalive/

#NASASocial #solarprobe

Everyone is quiet and focused on the rocket. The only murmurs of conversation are people doing live broadcasts for #NASASocial #solarprobe

Personally, my stomach is tight with anticipation in ways that I haven't felt since my early days on stage.

#NASASocial #solarprobe

Engines are starting.

#NASASocial #solarprobe

4 minutes in and we can still hear it.

#NASASocial #solarprobe

MECO! Parker has disappeared beyond a cloud bank. Before it did, it had faded to being another star.

At launch the night lit up in utter silence and then the sound crashed over us in increasing waves. This was so beautiful.

#NASASocial #solarprobe

Just a note: You can apply to attend future events with #NASAsocial. Yes, you.

You don't have to have a huge number of followers or be fancy. Teachers, pianists, photographers, nerds... We were all here.

nasa.gov/connect/social…

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