SpaceX Falcon 9 launch creates jellyfish-shaped light phenomenon

A SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket launch created a striking visual phenomenon in the sky, often referred to as a ‘space jellyfish,’ following its departure from Cape Canaveral Space Force Station in Florida. The launch, which occurred shortly before sunrise, carried supplies to the International Space Station.

The luminous effect was caused by rocket exhaust gases and water vapor expanding and crystallizing into ice particles in the high atmosphere. Because the launch took place just before dawn, sunlight illuminated these particles at high altitudes while the ground remained dark, creating a glowing, jellyfish-shaped cloud of orange and blue hues. The phenomenon was visible across several U.S. states, including Georgia and New York.

NASA shared images of the event on social media, noting that such displays are possible when launches occur near sunrise or sunset. A similar visual event may be observable during a subsequent SpaceX launch scheduled for October 19.