Toll of Commuting
News12 New York
Where to Watch
Download the App
Local
Crime
Weather
beWell
The East End
Crime Files

'Amazing.' Artemis II launch wows spectators at Westport Observatory

"It's amazing how everything comes together to make it go like that," Abbey Dillon says. "You think about everything that's gone on, and the years behind it... To watch people's dreams come true like that is amazing."

Justin DeVellis

Apr 1, 2026, 10:16 PM

Updated

Share:

More Stories

Spectators were awestruck as they gathered in Westport to watch an historic NASA launch.

Four astronauts embarked on a high-stakes flight around the moon on Wednesday, humanity’s first lunar voyage in more than 50 years.

It wasn't an average school night for Joey Zager. He even built his own rocket for the occasion.

"Just being able to watch this was so amazing," Zager says. "NASA or any other space agency has not done a crew lunar flyby in over 50 years!" 

People of all ages gathered to watch the launch at the Westport Observatory. 

"It's amazing how everything comes together to make it go like that," Abbey Dillon says. "You think about everything that's gone on, and the years behind it... To watch people's dreams come true like that is amazing."

Dan Wright, of the Westport Astronomical Society, says he's hoping the launch gets more people interested in science.

"Science is something that touches everybody, whether you know it or not," Wright says. "Whether it's your cellphone bouncing off satellites up in space or your TV where you're getting more satellites... Science is what makes things go.

The Artemis II crew consisted of three Americans and one Canadian.

The Associated Press contributed to this report.

More Stories

Top Stories

00:47
422026WC12backtowork_2026-04-02-12-22-56

Convicted killer sent back to jail after parole violation in Rockland County

02:01
weather whiplash HV

From near-record warmth to feeling more like March, the Hudson Valley has taken a step back!

00:17
4022026CHESTNUTRIDGEFIRE_2026-04-02-05-33-43

Cluttered conditions complicate house fire in Chestnut Ridge, no injuries reported

00:49
Screenshot 2026-04-02 122350

Fatal crash on State Thruway leads to manslaughter charges against Elmsford man

00:23
422026WC12fire_2026-04-02-12-22-31

Driver escapes as tractor‑trailer catches fire on I‑84 in Brewster

00:25
4022026TEENSTOLENHANDGUN_2026-04-02-05-31-02

Loaded stolen firearm leads to teen arrest in Rockland County

00:17
659726643 1350173013805093 5563031302684085598 n

No April Fool’s joke: Goshen dog climbs onto roof and needs police rescue

00:38
422026WCseder_2026-04-02-06-18-49

Passover begins with seder dinners for Jewish families across the Hudson Valley

00:15
Screenshot 2026-04-02 072108

Families can now eat some Hudson River fish for first time in 50 years

01:55
422026WCrt_2026-04-02-06-20-15

Road Trip Close To Home: From game show buzzers to escape rooms, West Nyack attraction delivers fun

00:22
4022026HYDEPARKENDANGERMENT_2026-04-02-05-36-26

Autism center staff member arrested after alleged abuse of resident in Dutchess County

02:12
WC 10P WED_WPpipebombFolo_ajc_2026-04-01-22-04-57

25 pipe bombs allegedly found inside White Plains man’s apartment

00:43
Screenshot 2026-04-01 211310

President Trump says US forces will 'finish the job' soon in first prime-time speech since start of Iran war

00:43
Image (58)

Man with stab wounds flees bloody altercation at New Rochelle building

00:22
blaise warwick probe

Warwick police respond to online post about investigation involving high school coach

00:45
ellenvilledeathinvestigationCM_2026-04-01-17-19-36

State police investigate death of woman at Ellenville home

01:46
0401potholes_2026-04-01-22-16-55

‘Road Doctor’ calls pothole filling a 'band-aid.’

01:34
matzohburningrocklandCM_2026-04-01-17-45-02

Rockland residents celebrate burning of leaven ahead of Passover

01:42
0401dutchessscam_2026-04-01-17-19-32

Scammers impersonate Dutchess officials and deputies in text messages seeking money, personal info

01:39
funeraldirincourt5pmCM_2026-04-01-17-46-34

Baldwin man accused of illegally operating Mount Vernon funeral home faces more serious charges

App StoreGoogle Play Store

info

Newsletter

Send Photos/Videos

Contact

About Us

News Team

News 12 New York

follow us

Twitter

Facebook

Instagram

more resources

Optimum Corporate

Optimum Service

Advertise on News 12

Careers

Content Removal Policy

© 2026 N12N, LLC

Privacy Policy

Terms of Service

Ad Choices