A SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket launched from Cape Canaveral Space Force Station on Tuesday, Aug. 25, 2026, at 5:33 a.m., sending 29 Starlink satellites into orbit and creating a luminous exhaust plume visible across the Eastern Seaboard. The launch, which took place from Launch Complex 40, was spotted as far north as New York City, with observers in Washington, D.C., New Jersey, and even Delaware reporting the rare 'space jellyfish' effect. This phenomenon occurs when sunlight reflects off the rocket’s exhaust plume during twilight, creating a glowing, jellyfish-like appearance in the sky.
The Falcon 9’s trajectory headed northeast, allowing the illuminated plume to travel over Florida’s coast and reach as far as the Mid-Atlantic region. Social media users across multiple states shared photos and videos of the spectacle, with many describing the sight as a surreal, almost otherworldly display. The effect, first noted during earlier SpaceX launches, has become a popular subject for photography and video content, particularly on platforms like Instagram and TikTok.
The 'space jellyfish' effect happens only during the brief period just before sunrise or after sunset, when the atmosphere is still lit by sunlight but the ground is in shadow. This unique lighting condition allows the rocket’s exhaust to scatter light in a way that creates the glowing, ethereal appearance. While the phenomenon has been observed during previous launches, this particular event drew widespread attention due to the clarity of the plume and the wide geographic range of visibility.
Residents in Brevard County and along the Florida coast were among the first to witness the launch, with many describing the experience as a reminder of the region’s role in space exploration. The Starlink mission, part of SpaceX’s efforts to expand global internet coverage, added to the significance of the event. No major issues were reported during the launch, and the rocket successfully deployed its payload into low-Earth orbit.