PIN IT: SpaceX launch creates “space jellyfish” effect in the sky. Here's the science behind it
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PIN IT: SpaceX launch creates “space jellyfish” effect in the sky. Here’s the science behind it

By adminvoxa
October 14, 2026 2 Min Read
Comments Off on PIN IT: SpaceX launch creates “space jellyfish” effect in the sky. Here’s the science behind it

ORLANDO, Florida. – If you looked up early Tuesday morning in central Florida and saw what appeared to be a glowing jellyfish floating in the sky, you weren’t alone.

The unusual sight was due to a pre-dawn SpaceX launch at 6:33 a.m., which sent a resupply mission to the International Space Station.

As the rocket rose higher into the atmosphere, it left behind an exhaust trail that extended and extended into the upper air.

This phenomenon is sometimes called “space jellyfish” and tends to occur when launches occur shortly before sunrise or just after sunset.

PIN IT: SpaceX launch creates “space jellyfish” effect in the sky. Here's the science behind it
A photo of a SpaceX “jellyfish effect” launch seen in Davenport. (Alex Paton)
PIN IT: SpaceX launch creates “space jellyfish” effect in the sky. Here's the science behind it
SpaceX rocket launch creates ‘jellyfish effect’ in central Florida. (Copyright 2026 by WKMG ClickOrlando – All rights reserved.)
PIN IT: SpaceX launch creates “space jellyfish” effect in the sky. Here's the science behind it
Charlie Thurlow’s photo of a rocket launch showing a “jellyfish” effect. (Copyright 2026 by WKMG ClickOrlando – All rights reserved.)

The “space jellyfish” launch also grazed the sky over Roanoke, Virginia, as seen in the photo below taken outside WSLS-TV, News 6’s sister station.

PIN IT: SpaceX launch creates “space jellyfish” effect in the sky. Here's the science behind it
SpaceX rocket launch creates “space jellyfish” effect in Roanoke, Virginia. (Copyright 2026 by WKMG ClickOrlando – All rights reserved.))

What causes the cloud of “space jellyfish”?

The reason it seemed so strange was the timing and the sunlight.

PIN IT: SpaceX launch creates “space jellyfish” effect in the sky. Here's the science behind it
Jellyfish Clouds Explained

Although it was still dark on the ground, the sun was already shining in the upper atmosphere. When the rocket’s exhaust reached these high altitudes, the gases expanded and were illuminated by sunlight, creating a glowing, bulb-shaped cloud with wispy trails that looked like tentacles. Seen from below, the effect can appear almost supernatural.

If you have photos from Tuesday’s launch, the News 6 Weather Team would love to feature them. You can upload your photos here.

Copyright 2026 by WKMG ClickOrlando – All rights reserved.

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