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Possible Sonic Boom Expected During Today’s SpaceX Launch
Today’s SpaceX launch from Vandenberg Space Force Base in California may be accompanied by a sonic boom, visible and audible to residents in parts of San Luis Obispo, Santa Barbara, and Ventura counties.
The launch is scheduled to take place during a 10-minute window starting at 7:25 a.m., with a weather satellite being sent into low Earth orbit aboard a Falcon 9 rocket. SpaceX’s Falcon 9 rocket is known for its reusability, with the first stage expected to separate and descend back to the base shortly after launch. The sonic boom occurs when the booster breaks the speed of sound during its descent, a phenomenon that can startle onlookers.
However, instead of crashing to the ground, the Falcon 9 rocket will ignite again and execute a controlled landing, reducing the cost of space flight significantly. This groundbreaking technology has made Falcon 9 the first reusable rocket to reach orbit, according to SpaceX.
The satellite being launched is designed to monitor various weather and environmental conditions, including sea ice, snow depth, soil moisture, and wind patterns. Despite the potential for a sonic boom, the launch promises to be a spectacular sight for those in proximity to the base.
If you are not able to watch the launch in person, SpaceX will be live streaming the event starting at 7:05 a.m. on their website. The livestream will provide viewers with a close-up look at the launch and landing process, allowing space enthusiasts from around the world to witness this technological marvel.
In the event of a delay, SpaceX has scheduled a backup launch window for Friday morning, ensuring that the mission can be completed successfully. The company’s commitment to innovation and efficiency continues to push the boundaries of space exploration, making space travel more accessible and sustainable for future generations.
News
University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee and Protesters reach an agreement to dismantle encampment
Protesters at the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee have agreed to end their pro-Palestinian encampment following an agreement reached with the school, university officials announced on Sunday. The encampment, which had been in place for two weeks, will be dismantled by Tuesday, marking the end of what was believed to be the last standing encampment at a Wisconsin college.
University officials had allowed the encampment to remain on a patch of lawn between Mitchell Hall and a busy thoroughfare on the campus’s southern boundary, opting not to involve law enforcement. This approach differed from the response at the University of Wisconsin-Madison, where police were called in to remove tents after negotiations fell through. Despite initial efforts to disband the encampment, Wisconsin-Madison eventually reached an agreement with protesters to voluntarily dismantle the camp prior to commencement ceremonies.
Chancellor Mark Mone of Wisconsin-Milwaukee stated last Wednesday that the university had exhibited “the widest possible amount of patience and restraint.” However, he also cautioned that patience was wearing thin and hinted at potential action by the school. Following discussions with the UWM Popular University for Palestine Coalition, the university agreed to advocate for a cease-fire between Israel and Hamas, condemn the destruction of schools and universities in Gaza by Israeli forces, and hold meetings with protest leaders regarding university investments.
Additionally, the university pledged to urge the Water Council, a Milwaukee organization of water technology companies, to sever connections with two Israeli government-owned entities, Mekorot and the Israel Innovation Authority. Chancellor Mone serves as the treasurer on the Water Council’s board of directors.
In return for these commitments, the protesters agreed to dismantle the encampment beginning on Sunday and completing the process by Tuesday. They also agreed not to disrupt the university’s commencement ceremonies scheduled for Sunday. In a statement, the protesters expressed their satisfaction with the agreement, stating, “After hard fought edits and careful consideration by the coalition, we determined we had obtained all possible benefits from the encampment.”
The resolution of the encampment at the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee represents a successful outcome of negotiations between university officials and protesters. By reaching a compromise that addresses the concerns of both parties, a peaceful resolution has been achieved, allowing for the encampment to be taken down without incident.