SpaceX rocket launch causes stunning ‘jellyfish cloud’ visible off US east coast
Expanding plume of fuel exhaust crystalized in the sky and reflected sunlight off frozen particles after Florida launch A SpaceX rocket provided a stunning pre-dawn display over Florida as a massive, luminescent “jellyfish cloud” spread for miles, caused by an expanding plume of fuel exhaust crystalizing in the sky and reflecting sunlight off the frozen particles. The phenomenon occurred shortly…
A SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket launch on Tuesday produced a mesmerizing "jellyfish cloud" along the US east coast, visible from states ranging from Georgia to New York. The luminescent cloud emerged following a 6:33am ET blastoff from Florida's Cape Canaveral space force station, timed 48 minutes before sunrise. The phenomenon occurred as the rocket's exhaust plume expanded and froze, reflecting sunlight off the ice particles, creating a vivid celestial display.
NASA shared images of the spectacle on X, the platform run by SpaceX CEO Elon Musk, where many sky watchers across multiple states posted their own photographs of the rare occurrence. Although Tuesday's display has passed, another Falcon 9 launch is set for Monday, October 19, at 6:30am ET, offering another chance to witness the stunning "jellyfish cloud" shortly before sunrise.
Written by urgent.news from The Guardian US's reporting — not their text. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.
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