[Launch Alert] Delta II Launched

[kd6nrp at earthlink.net]

This morning's Delta II launch from Vandenberg AFB took place at about 11:51:29 PDT. I enjoyed live countdown audio via Internet thanks to ULA's webcast. A few minutes before launch, I strolled outside and watched the event from the coastal hills here in Summerland, Calif., about 55 miles southeast of the pad.

The initial portion of the launch was easily visible to the unaided eye. Through my 10x50 binoculars I could discern shape of the rocket and saw the teal (blue-green) paint on the first abd second stages.

Brian Webb