Fireball set to streak across Gulf Coast skies as astronauts return to Earth

Ed Bloodsworth
·1 min read

Mobile, Ala. (WKRG) – Gulf Coast residents may be able to spot a space capsule containing 4 astronauts as they return to Earth marking the end of a six-month mission.

RETURN TO EARTH

The SpaceX Crew Dragon Endurance capsule undocked Monday from the International Space Station completing a six-month long mission. This mission includes a NASA astronaut, a member of the European Space Agency (ESA), a Japanese astronaut, and a cosmonaut from Russia. The space capsule is set to splashdown in the Gulf of Mexico off the coast of Northwest Florida around 4:50 AM Central Time.

WHAT TO SPOT

Although you will not be able to spot the actual splashdown of the capsule, the Dragon Endeavour craft will streak across the morning sky. It will appear as a slow-moving fireball. The spacecraft will hit the atmosphere moving at over 17,000 miles per hour leaving a fiery trail of plasma in its wake. It should be visible anywhere from 45-90° above the horizon. After a parachute deployment, the capsule will splash down in the Gulf of Mexico at about 25 mph.

WHAT TO DO

Set a reminder on your phone if you wish to check it out. It should be visible over southern Mississippi around 4:40 AM and over Lower Alabama and Northwest Florida around 4:43 AM.

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