Did a UFO Just Photobomb Your San Diego Sunset? Hold Your Horses (and Tacos)
San Diego dwellers, did you just witness something that looked like it belonged on the set of Independence Day? Relax, put down the tequila (you'll need it for celebrating, not panicking), because that wasn't an alien invasion... most likely.
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| What Just Flew Over San Diego |
The Truth is Out There (But Not That Far Out)
The mysterious streak of light that graced your twilight skies was, believe it or not, a SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket. Yes, you read that right. Our friends at SpaceX were busy launching something cool (probably not actual space invaders) into orbit, and you scored a front-row seat to the fiery light show.
Think of it as a complimentary reminder that humanity is hurtling through space on a giant rock, and we're pretty good at flinging other stuff up there too!
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So You Saw a Rocket Launch? That's So Fetch! (Mean Girls reference, any San Diego teens out there?)
Here's the down-low on what you might have seen:
- The fiery plume: That was the rocket burning its fuel as it blasted skyward. Think of it as a car engine on hyperdrive.
- The wiggly line: The rocket doesn't just go straight up. It curves as it fights Earth's gravity and reaches for the stars (or at least low-Earth orbit).
- The disappearing act: Once the rocket used most of its fuel, it climbed out of the atmosphere where sunlight can reflect off it, making it invisible to your naked eye.
Bonus points if you managed to snag a picture or video! Those things go viral faster than you can say "warp drive!"
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FAQ: You've Got Questions, We've (Probably) Got Answers
How to tell the difference between a UFO and a rocket launch?
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- Generally, UFOs don't follow the laws of physics. If it's doing crazy zig-zags or defying gravity in ways that would make your stomach churn, it's probably not a rocket.
How to find out about future SpaceX launches?
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- SpaceX is pretty good about letting people know when they're lighting up the sky. Check their website or social media for upcoming launch schedules.
How to convince your friends you totally saw a UFO?
- This is a tough one, buddy. Maybe stick with the rocket story.
How to celebrate seeing a piece of spacefaring history?
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- Tacos and margaritas, obviously!
How cool is it that San Diego gets to witness rocket launches?
- Pretty darn cool, if you ask us!
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