A SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket launch on Tuesday morning provided a dramatic spectacle for observers along the US east coast, as a massive, luminescent “jellyfish cloud” formed in the pre-dawn sky. The phenomenon was triggered by the rocket’s expanding plume of fuel exhaust, which crystalized and reflected sunlight off frozen particles.
The launch took place at 6.33am ET from Florida’s Cape Canaveral Space Force Station, carrying cargo destined for the International Space Station. Because the liftoff occurred 48 minutes before sunrise, the event created a unique lighting effect that is typically only visible during launches scheduled at dusk or dawn. The rocket’s trajectory toward the north-east over the Atlantic Ocean allowed residents in states ranging from Georgia to New York to witness the display.
Nasa shared images of the atmospheric formation on X, the social media platform owned by SpaceX chief executive Elon Musk. The post drew hundreds of responses, including photographs captured by sky watchers across several states.
For those who were unable to view Tuesday’s event, another opportunity is scheduled for Monday, 19 October. A second SpaceX Falcon 9 mission is set to launch from the same pad at Cape Canaveral, with a one-hour launch window beginning at 6.30am ET, shortly before the 7.01am sunrise.
