SpaceX rocket launch creates incredible 'space jellyfish' visible throughout US East Coast (photos)
A SpaceX rocket launch created a glowing, jellyfish-like visual phenomenon visible to millions of early morning observers across the United States East Coast. The Falcon 9 rocket lifted off Tuesday at 6:35 a.m.
A SpaceX rocket launch created a glowing, jellyfish-like visual phenomenon visible to millions of early morning observers across the United States East Coast. The Falcon 9 rocket lifted off Tuesday at 6:35 a.m. EDT from Pad 40 at Cape Canaveral Space Force Station in Florida. It carried a cargo version of the Dragon spacecraft on the CRS-35 commercial resupply mission for NASA.
As the rocket climbed along the East Coast, its expanding engine plume widened in thinner air and caught the early dawn light. According to NASA, this lighting creates a glowing shape that resembles a jellyfish during dawn and dusk launches. Observers across multiple states shared photos and reactions of the flight.
Richard Mack Wilson-Leigh watched the rocket from Durham, North Carolina, noting that stage separation occurred about 2.5 minutes after liftoff. The booster performed an engine burn to head back toward a landing site, while the second stage continued toward orbit. The Dragon capsule is carrying about 6,300 pounds of cargo and scientific investigations for the International Space Station.
The spacecraft is scheduled to dock autonomously with the station's Harmony module on Thursday morning.
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Original publication: 13 October 2026 22:32
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