Early-morning residents of western North Carolina got a rare view of a SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket on Aug. 25, 2026. The rocket, launched from Cape Canaveral, Florida, was spotted across parts of the Southeastern U.S., with clear views reported in the Blue Ridge Mountains. Photographer Ray Castillo captured the event from Craggy Gardens near Mars Hill, N.C., at 5:33 a.m. Castillo described the location as "5,497 feet above sea level, with a front-row seat to the launch." The photo was submitted through the WLOS Chime In feature. Another image from Mars Hill, taken by Madison Scott, also showed the rocket’s trail. SpaceX launches are typically visible for hundreds of miles under ideal conditions, but sightings in the mountains are uncommon due to terrain. The launch occurred during a window when the rocket’s trajectory aligned with the region. Local astronomers said the visibility was possible because of the rocket’s brightness and the lack of cloud cover. Residents who saw the event were encouraged to share photos via WLOS’s Chime In portal. The launch marked the 10th Falcon 9 flight of 2026, according to SpaceX’s mission logs. No details about the payload were disclosed in the report. The event drew attention from space enthusiasts and casual observers alike, with some noting the unusual timing for a rocket to be visible so far inland. Castillo’s photo has since been shared widely on social media, with many commenting on the clarity of the shot. The launch is part of SpaceX’s ongoing efforts to increase its fleet of reusable rockets, which are used for satellite deployments and crewed missions. The next Falcon 9 launch from Cape Canaveral is scheduled for Sept. 12, 2026.