SpaceX Launch Creates Glowing Jellyfish Effect Over Florida

A predawn SpaceX rocket launch created a striking, glowing cloud in the sky as a Falcon 9 carried supplies toward the International Space Station on October 13, 2026. The launch took place at 6:33 a.m., producing an atmospheric display visible from the ground as sunlight illuminated the rocket's exhaust high above Earth.

According to ClickOrlando, the unusual formation developed as the rocket climbed through the atmosphere, leaving behind exhaust that expanded and spread through the thin air at high altitudes. The resulting cloud formed a bright, bulb-shaped structure with trailing wisps resembling tentacles.

The phenomenon is commonly known as the "space jellyfish" effect. It typically occurs when rockets launch shortly before sunrise or shortly after sunset, when the ground may remain in darkness while sunlight reaches the upper atmosphere.

The timing of the launch and the position of the sun explain the cloud's distinctive appearance. Although observers on the ground saw a dark sky, sunlight illuminated the expanding exhaust gases at higher elevations, creating the glowing effect.

As the exhaust expanded, the illuminated gases formed a broad, luminous shape that contrasted with the darker sky below. The trailing portions of the cloud produced the tentacle-like appearance associated with the phenomenon.

The October 13 launch also produced a visible display over Roanoke, Virginia, according to ClickOrlando. A photograph documenting the sight was taken outside WSLS-TV, News 6's sister station.

The launch was a Falcon 9 mission carrying supplies to the International Space Station. ClickOrlando reported the launch time as 6:33 a.m. on October 13, 2026.