[Launch Alert] Reentry Seen (and Heard)

[Launch Alert]

Last night's (May 24) return of a Dragon cargo ship from orbit was seen and heard as it headed for splashdown in the Pacific west of Camp Pendleton. The following are comments from Launch Alert readers:

Wendell W.
Grover Beach, Calif.

"Fantastic viewing of the Dragon reentry tonight from the California Coastal Trail at Grover Beach. Saw it coming directly toward us from over San Luis Obispo and Pismo Beach. Heat shield glowing reddish with a VERY long white plasma wake. Very fast and directly overhead and south toward Vandenberg where the wake looked to end abruptly. Double sonic boom about that time was great too."

Brad T.

"It came a few minutes earlier than he predicted, but pretty close. Alas, it means my gear wasn't set up, but we got a handheld video."

Mike and Sue D.
Cambria, Calif.

"It was perfect timing over Cambria. Thank you. Great to see."

Zach R.

"Would not have known anything about the capsule splashdown tonight if not for your email earlier today. Was able to share an incredible moment and view with my son so thank you to everyone for making this event known. Incredible views tonight on this from my mountain home."

Marc
San Diego, Calif.

"I did not expect to see anything at all.
I was outside to our driveway more to see if I could hear sonic booms which I did not.
Saw about 45 seconds until it faded. I would not be surprised if it was visible even in Mexico. So if I saw it certainly LA would be no problem."

Jonathan F.
Tustin, Calif.

"Sure didn't see anything here in Tustin as predicted but I did hear an impressive double sonic boom at 10:40 or so, felt it actually as well. That or something big blew up around here..."