Strange 'Space Jellyfish' seen after SpaceX launch

FORT MYERS, Fla. —

A glowing cloud lit up the sky above the Gulf Coast early Wednesday morning.

The phenomenon, known as a "space jellyfish," was the result of an early morning rocket launch on the other side of the state.

A SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket launched at 5:52 a.m. from Cape Canaveral, carrying 29 Starlink satellites. The cloud was spotted minutes later.

The "space jellyfish," or "noctilucent clouds," phenomenon happens when rocket launches occur close to sunrise or sunset. When the rocket reaches a high altitude, it's exposed to direct sunlight while it's still dark on the ground. Sunlight then refracts through the rocket’s exhaust fumes, creating the glowing effect.

This morning's SpaceX launch was a success, with the rocket's first-stage booster safely landing on board a drone ship in the Atlantic Ocean.

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