On the evening of February 10th, residents of Southern California were treated to a spectacular night sky phenomenon. Many witnessed peculiar cloud formations resembling “jellyfish” in the sky, caused by the launch of a Falcon 9 rocket by SpaceX from California. This launch was part of Elon Musk’s efforts to enhance his expanding Starlink satellite network.
The launch took place at Vandenberg Air Force Base at 6:09 PM Pacific Standard Time (PST), and was visible in various areas including Bakersfield and Coachella Valley. The setting sun’s rays reflecting off the rocket’s exhaust smoke created a stunning effect in the twilight sky, leaving behind a bright, expansive white trail as the rocket ascended. This phenomenon, often referred to as “space jellyfish,” occurs when rockets are launched during sunset or just after. As the spacecraft climbs through the atmosphere, its plume expands in the decreasing air pressure and is illuminated by the sun below the horizon, creating a luminous jellyfish-like appearance in the darkening sky.
During dusk, the ground is shrouded in darkness while the rocket in the high altitude is bathed in sunlight. The engine’s exhaust particles scattered this sunlight, resulting in the observed bright, broad trail. This contrasts with launches during the day when environmental light and atmospheric conditions make the plume less distinct.
Many Southern Californians shared photos and videos of this visual spectacle on social media. Such a sight is relatively rare and depends on specific launch times and atmospheric conditions, providing viewers with awe-inspiring images and valuable insights into atmospheric optics and rocket propulsion interactions.
This launch deployed 23 Starlink satellites into orbit, with the rocket’s first stage successfully returning to Earth and landing on the autonomous drone ship named “Of Course I Still Love You.” This marks SpaceX’s 18th Falcon 9 rocket launch in 2025.
SpaceX also released three photos from the launch, including images of the “jellyfish effect,” the rocket ascending into space, and a long exposure shot of the rocket launch showing the bright arc across the cloudy sky.
SpaceX’s launch cadence is currently rapid. This launch was the first of two consecutive Starlink deployment missions by SpaceX. The second launch occurred on February 11th from Cape Canaveral Space Force Station in Florida, placing 21 Starlink satellites into orbit.
According to astrophysicist and satellite tracker Jonathan McDowell, SpaceX currently has approximately 6,990 Starlink satellites operational in orbit.