A recent SpaceX launch at Cape Canaveral has produced a rare atmospheric phenomenon, dubbed “noctilucent clouds.” These clouds appear brightly glowing in the dark night sky due to the lingering exhaust from the rocket. Water vapor within the exhaust freezes into tiny ice crystals in high altitudes, which are then suspended high enough to reflect sunlight below the horizon.
This unique occurrence is known as the “twilight phenomenon” and creates an illusion of glowing clouds in the dark. The rare natural phenomenon can be seen more frequently in Central Florida due to the region’s predawn rocket launches.
Source: https://www.clickorlando.com/weather/2024/12/04/glowing-clouds-in-central-florida-heres-the-science-behind-this-phenomenon