Space Jellyfish: A Dreamlike Optical Spectacle After Rocket Launch

On the morning of October 13, 2026, a massive blue and orange glow appeared in the sky over the US East Coast, witnessed by people from Georgia to New York, and was initially mistaken for a UFO. Experts explained that this was the 'Space Jellyfish' phenomenon formed after the launch of a SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket. 🔆 What is a 'Space Jellyfish'? The 'Space Jellyfish' is not an extraterrestrial creature, but rather a luminous cloud formation created by rocket exhaust under specific atmospheric and lighting conditions. It's named for its inflated shape resembling a jellyfish. Known in English as 'Space Jellyfish,' it's essentially an artificial 'rocket cloud' or 'twilight effect.' Its formation requires a perfect combination of 'timing and conditions.' As the rocket ascends, the expelled gases and water vapor rapidly expand in the low-pressure upper atmosphere, forming a broad cloud structure. If the launch occurs shortly before sunrise or after sunset, while the ground is still dark, the rocket's exhaust plume high above is illuminated by sunlight. This contrast creates a spectacular sight, resembling a glowing jellyfish. This phenomenon typically occurs during rocket launches shortly before dawn or after dusk, a perfect product of the interaction between rocket flight and the atmosphere. If you witness a strange, glowing jellyfish in the sky next time during dawn or dusk, don't be alarmed – it's a visual feast brought to us by human space activities. There are videos online, but I feel like photos don't capture it as well 🤔 Still, you can look them up to see the light changes~