In the early hours of Tuesday morning, a SpaceX launch transformed the Florida sky into a remarkable display, as a radiant cloud resembling a "space jellyfish" was visible from various parts of the state and along the eastern coast of the United States.
At precisely 6:33 a.m. EDT, the launch took place from Cape Canaveral's Launch Complex 40. This was part of SpaceX's CRS-35 mission for NASA, which carried over 6,300 pounds of supplies, experiments, and equipment to the International Space Station.
Meteorologist Matt Devitt shared stunning images of the event on social media, exclaiming, "JELLYFISH CLOUD!" The extraordinary appearance occurs because the rocket and its trail ascend high enough to be illuminated by sunlight, while darkness still lingers on the ground before dawn.
Cuban meteorologist Rubén Capote, head of Meteorology at Telemundo 49 in Tampa, also commented on the phenomenon, succinctly noting, "This morning's Falcon 9 was simply spectacular."
Popularly known as a "space jellyfish," this effect is created when the rocket's exhaust plume expands at high altitudes and is illuminated by the sun, resulting in a brilliant formation with shades of blue, purple, and orange, visible from great distances.
Local Florida media reported that the glow was seen from numerous locations across the state, leading to a flurry of photos and videos on social media shortly after the launch.
This mission is part of NASA's commercial resupply program, transporting cargo and scientific materials to the orbiting station. If all goes as planned, the CRS-35 mission's Dragon capsule will autonomously dock with the International Space Station this Thursday.
SpaceX launches have amazed the region multiple times before. In February 2025, an unusual light in the sky astonished residents in eastern Cuba following another Falcon 9 launch from Florida. More recently, another mission brought Cape Canaveral back into the spotlight when the Crew-13 Dragon spacecraft reached the International Space Station in record time.
SpaceX Launch and Its Impact on Florida
What time did the SpaceX launch occur?
The SpaceX launch occurred at 6:33 a.m. EDT from Cape Canaveral's Launch Complex 40.
What was the purpose of the CRS-35 mission?
The CRS-35 mission aimed to deliver over 6,300 pounds of supplies, experiments, and equipment to the International Space Station as part of NASA's commercial resupply program.
Why was the phenomenon referred to as a "space jellyfish"?
The phenomenon was called a "space jellyfish" due to the rocket's exhaust plume expanding at high altitudes and being illuminated by sunlight, creating a luminous formation with varied colors.