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Florida SpaceX Launch Makes ‘Space Jellyfish’ Effect in Sky. Here’s Why This Happens
- SpaceX's Falcon 9 lifted off at 5:52 a.m. on Wednesday, March 4, 2026, from Launch Complex 40 at Cape Canaveral Space Force Station, producing a predawn "space jellyfish" plume seen across the Space Coast.
- Because the launch flew a northeast trajectory near sunrise, sunlight high in the atmosphere illuminated the rocket's exhaust while observers remained in darkness, creating the space jellyfish effect.
- The booster supporting this mission flew its 25th flight, and following stage separation the first-stage booster landed on the SpaceX droneship A Shortfall of Gravitas around 6 a.m., with entry burn and stage two in terminal guidance documented.
- Readers and viewers posted dozens of photos and videos of the phenomenon, likely visible as far north as Jacksonville Beach and into Georgia and the northeastern coast.
- This flight continues a busy cadence on the Space Coast, marking the 16th Florida launch of 2026 after 109 orbital launches in 2025, with SpaceX next launching EchoStar XXV on Monday, March 9, 2026, to geosynchronous orbit.
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SpaceX launch in Cape Canaveral creates ‘space jellyfish’ across sky - WSVN 7News | Miami News, Weather, Sports
CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. (WSVN) — A recent SpaceX launch had many Floridians wondering what was happening across the sky. Video and images showed what the company says is a “space jellyfish” upon liftoff. Florida and Georgia residents were able to see the vibrant blue phenomena. SpaceX says this occurs when sunlight reflects off the rocket’s exhaust in the upper atmosphere. The mission sent more of its Starlink satellites into orbit. These satellite…
Spectrum News 13
Bay News 9'Jellyfish' effect spotted around Tampa Bay after rocket launch
Most of the Tampa Bay area had clear skies right before 6 a.m.
SpaceX rocket launch catches attention of Hampton Roads residents
BREVARD COUNTY, Florida (WAVY)-- Did you see something in the sky this morning? SpaceX sent a Falcon 9 rocket soaring from Cape Canaveral Space Force Station early Wednesday morning. Viewers in Hampton Roads captured their views of the rocket soaring in the sky.
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