A stunning sight was seen in the evening sky over California on February 10 as SpaceX launched a Falcon 9 rocket from Vandenberg Air Force Base. The launch was part of the company’s efforts to boost its growing Starlink internet satellite constellation.
As the rocket took flight during twilight, the exhaust plume reflected off the recently set sun, creating a spectacular effect dubbed “space jellyfish” by some observers. This phenomenon occurs when light from the sun reflects off the exhaust gases of a rocket, producing a glowing arc in the sky.
Photographers and skywatchers captured the breathtaking moment, with one photographer describing it as “absolutely stunning.” The Falcon 9 rocket launched 23 Starlink satellites into orbit, with its first stage returning to Earth for a landing on the drone ship Of Course I Still Love You.
The launch was not only notable for its scientific significance but also for its artistic appeal. The “space jellyfish” effect even photobombed a private space station module, Haven-1, undergoing testing in California’s Mojave Desert.
SpaceX has released photographs of the launch, including one view of the “jellyfish” effect and images of the rocket ascending toward space. The company is currently working on several Starlink missions, with two back-to-back launches planned for the near future.
With 6,990 operational Starlink satellites in orbit today, SpaceX continues to expand its constellation and provide internet connectivity to remote areas around the world.
Source: https://www.space.com/space-exploration/launches-spacecraft/spacex-rocket-launch-spawns-dazzling-space-jellyfish-in-evening-sky-photos