Early SpaceX Falcon 9 Launch Creates Spectacular Sky Show Over Florida
In a successful mission, a SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket launched 23 Starlink satellites into orbit from Cape Canaveral Space Force Station in Florida. The liftoff created a visual spectacle in the form of noctilucent clouds, a phenomenon that occurs when the rocket's plume is illuminated by the sun's rays against the twilight sky. This effect was captured by the National Weather Service in Melbourne, which shared images showcasing the so-called "jellyfish" effect. The first-stage booster of the rocket completed its 14th mission, touching down safely on the drone ship A Shortfall of Gravitas.
The Starlink satellites were deployed to low-Earth orbit as part of SpaceX's ongoing efforts to build its constellation aimed at providing high-speed broadband internet service globally. This launch marked the 22nd SpaceX mission this year dedicated to the Starlink project. On the same night, another set of 21 Starlink satellites was scheduled for launch from Vandenberg Space Force Base in California. The latter launch was expected to be visible from southern Utah, with optimal viewing conditions dependent on clear skies.
The noctilucent clouds formed by the Florida launch are a rare type of cloud usually observed in polar regions at twilight. These clouds are known for their luminescent appearance and form at altitudes between 47 and 53 miles above the Earth's surface under specific conditions involving water vapor, dust, and extremely low temperatures. The event attracted attention and was reported in real time from the Treasure Coast, with WPBF 25 as the local station covering the launch. Images of the launch and the resulting clouds were widely shared on social media, contributing to the public's interest in the event.
