China rocket launch creates luminous celestial phenomenon

A successful launch of the Long March-6A rocket from the Taiyuan Spaceport created a striking visual phenomenon in the skies over Northern China. The event, described by observers and media as a 'galactic jellyfish,' featured glowing, neon-colored clouds that appeared to float in the atmosphere.

The spectacle was caused by the 'twilight effect,' a combination of physics and timing. As the rocket ascended shortly after sunset, engine exhaust and water vapor froze instantly in the cold upper atmosphere, forming a massive cloud of microscopic ice crystals. While it was dark on the ground, sunlight continued to hit these crystals from behind at high altitudes, refracting light into vibrant shades of blue, green, violet, and silver.

The mission successfully placed a high-tech Yaogan series satellite into orbit.