![atlas_0075](http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3344/3640175719_4b59e63cd2_o.jpg)
The Atlas V rocket carrying my name to the moon became visible in a clearing for only a few seconds. This is tightly cropped so you can actually see it.
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The rocket was visible only at the horizon (left) and for a short period when it appeared in a blue break in the otherwise cloudy skies over Brevard County. Though they are poor photos, they are proof that I did not miss the launch. Not that I would have considered skipping it anyway: This one was extra special.
In addition to returning NASA to the moon for the first time in a decade, the rocket was carrying the Lunar Reconnaissance Orbiter, which holds the name of yours truly. I entered it precisely one year ago today (June 18, 2008) in NASA's Send Your Name to the Moon Project (for proof, click here). That's more than a coincidence; that's fate. I was meant to go to the moon - along with the 1.6 million other people who signed up, according to NASA.
Left: Houses along the shore of the Indian River on southern Merritt Island provide the foreground, and the faraway Atlas V is seen only as a tiny speck of fire as it ascends through the hazy Florida air.
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