Stunning Photos and Videos: SpaceX Falcon 9 Launch Creates ‘Jellyfish’ Spectacle in Western US Skies!

A stunning display lit up the skies from Los Angeles to Phoenix on Sunday evening. It followed SpaceX’s fascinating launch, where a Falcon 9 rocket took off, creating a captivating “jellyfish” effect in the atmosphere.

The launch happened at 11:04 p.m. EDT (7:04 p.m. local time) from Vandenberg Space Force Base. It carried 28 new Starlink satellites, adding to SpaceX’s network of over 8,000 satellites aimed at providing global internet coverage. The combination of dusk and the rocket’s exhaust created a magical sight against the darkening sky.

The conditions were just right for this event. Usually, Vandenberg is known for its foggy weather, but the clear skies allowed thousands of spectators to witness the rocket’s impressive trail. Brett Tingley, Managing Editor at Space.com, shared his experience camping in Afton Canyon. He remarked, “I’ve seen plenty of Falcon 9 ‘jellyfish’ online but never in person. The light was gorgeous against the dark sky.”

Excited viewers shared their own sightings on social media, captivated by the colorful streak. Many wondered if they were witnessing a meteor instead. The American Meteor Society documented seven reports from viewers, highlighting the interest in these skyward phenomena.

Historically, rocket launches create similar effects, especially during dawn and dusk due to the atmospheric pressure. This phenomenon is not entirely new, but it’s a treat when conditions align perfectly. Observers have noted that these jellyfish-like formations can be unexpected, making every launch an exciting possibility for spectators.

As for the Falcon 9 itself, this was the 28th mission for that specific rocket stage. It successfully landed on the droneship “Of Course I Still Love You” in the Pacific Ocean just over eight minutes after liftoff, while the second stage continued to deploy the satellites into low Earth orbit.

So, if you’re within a few hundred miles of a launch site, keep your eyes on the sky during launch times. You might just catch a glimpse of something spectacular.

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