By Sama Marwan ,
A strange and stunning scene was spotted in the sky over California on Monday evening, astonishing local residents. Some described it as a “space jellyfish” slicing through the sky. As speculation grew about the possible presence of an unidentified flying object (UFO), scientific truth cleared the mystery: what was seen was simply the trail left by a routine launch of a SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket during a Starlink satellite deployment mission.
Rocket Launch Turns into Dazzling Light Show
The rocket lifted off at exactly 11:36 p.m. ET from Vandenberg Space Force Base in California. Just minutes after liftoff, the rocket’s exhaust began interacting with the upper layers of the atmosphere. This interaction unexpectedly produced a strange glowing cloud that resembled a transparent jellyfish radiating in the night sky.
The spectacle was clearly visible from vast areas, stretching from the Mojave Desert to Southern Los Angeles, and even as far as Riverside, more than 200 miles from the launch site. The scene quickly flooded social media with images and videos.
The “Jellyfish Effect” — A Scientific Explanation
What millions witnessed is known scientifically as the “Jellyfish Effect” or “vapor halo”. This phenomenon occurs when water vapor interacts with sunlight in the cold layers of the upper atmosphere, during specific times shortly after sunset. At that altitude, the sun’s rays can still illuminate the rocket’s exhaust, producing this visually stunning shape.
Not the First Time
This is not the first time such a phenomenon has been seen with SpaceX launches. A similar effect occurred in October 2022 during another Starlink satellite launch. In such moments, many people tend to associate the scene with UFOs or supernatural events, but the scientific explanation is now well understood and has become a recurring feature during launches under similar light conditions.
A Technical Achievement in the Background
The latest Falcon 9 flight wasn’t just for show. It successfully carried out the “Starlink 15” mission, adding a new batch of satellites to SpaceX’s growing global internet network. Eight minutes after liftoff, the rocket’s first stage returned safely, landing on a drone ship in the Pacific Ocean — an achievement that adds to the company’s record of over 460 successful booster landings.
When Physics Meets the Magic of Nature
The “space jellyfish” phenomenon is a remarkable example of how technological advancement can create moments of natural beauty — blurring the lines between science and wonder. As SpaceX continues expanding its space projects, Earth’s inhabitants will keep witnessing celestial shows that combine innovation and awe.
In the end, what sometimes appears to be an alien mystery might simply be a human-made rocket, sailing through space — and gifting us with a truly unforgettable light display.
