SpaceX launch creates glowing 'space jellyfish' display over Florida sky

CAPE CANAVERAL SPACE FORCE STATION, FLORIDA, USA, 14 OCTOBER 2026 —

SpaceX’s ‘Space Jellyfish’ Lights Up Florida Skies, Captivates East Coast—With Scientific Payload for ISS

The phenomenon, visible from as far as Washington, D.C., occurred when the rocket’s exhaust plume illuminated the upper atmosphere just before sunrise, creating a luminous, jellyfish-like formation that captivated onlookers and social media.

The launch, which took place at 6:33 a.m. local time from Space Launch Complex 40 at Cape Canaveral Space Force Station, marked the 35th Commercial Resupply Services (CRS) mission by SpaceX to the ISS. Beyond its visual spectacle, the mission carried critical payloads, including a Florida Institute of Technology experiment on hydrogels designed to shield astronauts from cosmic radiation—a potential breakthrough for future lunar and Mars missions.

The “space jellyfish” effect, a rare atmospheric display, occurred as the Falcon 9’s second-stage exhaust expanded into the thin upper atmosphere, catching sunlight while the ground remained in darkness. Witnesses across Florida, from Brevard County to South Florida, reported seeing the glowing formation, with some capturing images as far as Washington, D.C.

Retired photographer Red Huber shared photos from Seminole County, describing it as “out of this world,” while local photographer John Kraus, who works with NASA Administrator Jared Isaacman, called it “up there among the most stunning” he had ever seen.

The first-stage booster successfully landed at Landing Zone 40 approximately seven minutes after liftoff, accompanied by sonic booms heard across Brevard County. The Cargo Dragon spacecraft, carrying the supplies and experiments, is expected to dock with the ISS at around 11:00 a.m. on October 15.

Among the mission’s scientific highlights is a hydrogel experiment led by Andrew Palmer, an associate professor at Florida Institute of Technology. Palmer, who watched the launch, described the moment as “one of the most inspiring” of his career, noting that the research could help protect astronauts from radiation during extended space missions. “Seeing the hard work of our students literally rocket into orbit is a profound experience,” he said in an email to Florida Today.

The CRS-35 mission also included over 6,000 pounds of cargo, including supplies for the ISS crew and additional scientific equipment. The launch’s timing—just 50 minutes before sunrise—enhanced the visibility of the exhaust plume, making the “jellyfish” effect particularly striking. Observatories like the Leander McCormick Observatory advised early risers to look toward the southeast sky starting at 6:25 a.m.

to witness the phenomenon, with the rocket’s ascent visible as a moving “star” before the exhaust illuminated into the iconic shape.

Social media erupted with reactions to the launch. Users from across the East Coast shared images and videos, with some even capturing the effect from airplane windows. The phenomenon’s visibility extended hundreds of miles, underscoring the scale of the launch and the growing public fascination with space exploration.

For Florida’s Space Coast, the launch was not just a visual spectacle but a reminder of the region’s growing role in space commerce and scientific research. The successful deployment of the Cargo Dragon and the first-stage landing reinforced SpaceX’s operational reliability, while the hydrogel experiment highlights the mission’s broader implications for human spaceflight.

As the Cargo Dragon approaches the ISS, the CRS-35 mission will continue its critical role in sustaining the station’s operations and advancing scientific discovery. The “space jellyfish” may have been a fleeting atmospheric wonder, but its legacy—alongside the mission’s payload—could have lasting impacts on space exploration and human health in deep space.