From Raleigh to the moon: Artemis II inspires stargazers, astronomy clubs in NC

RALEIGH, N.C. (WTVD) -- North Carolina is proudly claiming a connection to the Artemis II mission as it inches closer to the moon. Back home, many are watching every step of the journey, knowing it marks a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity.

"Looking at everything that went into the launch was just amazing," said Doug Lively.

Lively's passion for the night sky began in childhood, growing up just miles from Kennedy Space Center in Florida. He recalls the excitement he felt watching Apollo 15 lift off.

"It's just a really amazing feeling to be there. To feel the thunderous roar of the rocket in your soul," he said.

Wearing a lanyard lined with medallions, Lively showed off tokens he's earned through free educational programs offered by the Raleigh Astronomy Club, where he has been a member for nearly 30 years.

He says the launch of Artemis II has been a major topic of conversation among members.

Photos shared within the club show just how close some have gotten to the action. One member traveled to Florida last week and watched the launch as a guest along NASA's East Causeway.

For members like Samantha Pickard, the mission has become part of daily life, even at work.

"I know everybody is probably sick of it," Pickard said. "They come in my office and see I have the livestream going, and they're like, 'Yeah, you're a little obsessed, aren't you?' Yep. A little bit."

Another member, Stefan Will, stayed up until 3 a.m. to catch a glimpse of Artemis II in orbit from his Raleigh home.

"In my driveway out front, all by myself in the dark with my telescope," he said, laughing.

He captured video showing the spacecraft moving across the night sky. Will says a second dot visible in the footage is the rocket's upper stage trailing behind.

"I couldn't see it when I was recording," he said. "Afterwards, I looked at the images and was like, 'Oh, there it is! I really captured it.'"

According to NASA, the four astronauts aboard Artemis II spent Easter Sunday preparing for their lunar flyby by reviewing final science targets and testing the suits designed to keep them safe during the most intense phases of flight.

Back in Raleigh, astronomy enthusiasts say the historic mission is about more than just excitement, it could help shape the future of astronomy.

"Looking forward to all the technology that will come from this and all the new advancements we'll make," Lively said.

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