SpaceX Rocket Exhaust Creates 'Space Jellyfish' Phenomenon Over North America
Spectacular luminous clouds, resembling marine life, were visible across multiple states after a Falcon 9 launch.
Residents across multiple North American states witnessed a striking celestial display on Tuesday morning, with stunning photographs capturing what appeared to be a luminous 'space jellyfish' in the pre-dawn sky. The phenomenon, which presented as a glowing, translucent cloud, was visible from Georgia to New York.
It was later clarified that the breathtaking spectacle was not a marine organism but rather the result of a SpaceX rocket launch. The luminous clouds were formed by the plume of fuel exhaust from a Falcon 9 rocket, which had taken off from Florida's Cape Canaveral Space Force Station approximately 48 minutes before sunrise.
The exhaust particles crystallized in the upper atmosphere and reflected sunlight, creating the vibrant, ethereal effect. The rocket was en route to the International Space Station, carrying over 6,300 scientific investigations and cargo as part of SpaceX's 35th commercial resupply mission for NASA.
The rocket's north-eastern trajectory allowed observers in eastern states to witness the 'jellyfish' effect. Photographs and accounts of the phenomenon were shared widely on X, the social media platform owned by SpaceX CEO Elon Musk.
According to a post on X, such 'jellyfish' formations occur near sunrise or sunset when rocket exhaust plumes are brightly illuminated. This particular spectacle occurred due to the timing of the launch relative to sunrise. Another similar launch is anticipated for the following Monday from the same launch pad, potentially offering another opportunity to witness the phenomenon.