Falcon 9 Launch Over Borrego
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Astronomer Dennis Mammana Captures Stunning Rocket Sighting from His Front Yard
On the night of
June 16, the skies over Borrego Springs lit up with a striking view of the
Falcon 9 rocket launch from Vandenberg Space Force Base—and local astronomer
Dennis Mammana was ready. From his front yard, about 264 miles to the southeast of the launch site, Mammana captured the event on video, showing once again why Borrego Springs is one of the best places in California for skywatching.
The launch was part of SpaceX’s Starlink program, which aims to create a global broadband internet network by deploying thousands of small satellites into low Earth orbit. The rocket lifted off from Vandenberg Space Force Base, located near Lompoc on California’s Central Coast—one of several sites SpaceX uses for its West Coast operations.
In the video, the rocket’s sunlit plume is visible high above the horizon, standing out against the darkening sky. The payload fairings can be seen separating and falling away as the Falcon 9 ascends. Approximately 25 seconds into the footage, two U.S. Navy helicopters pass overhead—part of their routine evening flight path across Borrego Springs. Around the 1:14 mark, a group of coyotes can be heard howling in the distance, a common occurrence during quiet desert nights.
Mammana captured the moment handheld on his iPhone—no telescope required. It’s a perfect reminder that in Borrego Springs, you don’t need special equipment to witness spectacular celestial events.
Recognized as an International Dark Sky Community, Borrego’s clear, low-light skies make it an ideal destination for stargazing, satellite watching, and moments like this—whether you're tracking a rocket or simply enjoying the stars.
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