A SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket launch from Cape Canaveral on July 9, 2026, created a rare 'space jellyfish' effect visible more than 200 miles away in Collier County. The phenomenon was captured by Holly Romer, an Isles of Capri resident, who photographed the glowing, swirling exhaust plume from her home near Dolphin Pointe. Romer said she noticed the unusual sight at dawn, about 15 minutes after the rocket lifted off at 6:47 a.m. ET. 'I was captivated by this sphere and its colors that constantly changed,' she wrote in an email to the Naples Daily News. The effect, caused by sunlight reflecting off the rocket's exhaust, appeared as a shimmering, jellyfish-shaped glow in the pre-dawn sky. SpaceX launches from Cape Canaveral are often visible across Florida, but the 'space jellyfish' effect is rare and depends on precise atmospheric conditions. Romer, who has lived in Collier County for 12 years, said she had never seen the phenomenon before. 'It’s a place known for generations of dolphins bringing up their young,' she said of Dolphin Pointe, where she took the photos. The July 9 launch was part of a routine mission to deploy Starlink satellites, but the unusual visual display drew attention from across the state. Weather and cloud cover determined visibility, with the effect most noticeable in western Florida. The 'space jellyfish' phenomenon occurs when sunlight interacts with the exhaust plume during sunrise or sunset, creating a luminous, swirling pattern. Romer shared six photos of the event, which she described as 'swirling smoke' illuminated by the early morning sun. The SpaceX launch was widely seen from Tallahassee to St. Augustine Beach, but the jellyfish effect was only visible in specific locations. 'It’s a reminder of how space exploration can create unexpected beauty right here on Earth,' Romer said.