Stunning Celestial Display Over Western United States

On Sunday evening, parts of the western United States were treated to a spectacular cosmic display as a bright streak lit up the sky from Los Angeles to Phoenix. This unique event was the result of a Falcon 9 rocket launch from Vandenberg Space Force Base in California, creating a phenomenon known as the “jellyfish effect.”

Falcon 9 Launch and the Jellyfish Effect

The Falcon 9 rocket was launched on September 28, carrying 28 new satellites as part of SpaceX’s Starlink network. The perfect twilight conditions that night provided the necessary illumination for the rocket’s engine exhaust as it expanded in the upper atmosphere, astonishing viewers across hundreds of miles.

Vandenberg’s launch site is known for its cloudy and foggy weather conditions, but the clear skies that night allowed for the perfect formation of the jellyfish effect, mesmerizing all who witnessed it.

Impact on Viewers

Among those who witnessed this celestial show was Brett Tingley, the managing editor of Space.com, who captured a photo of the phenomenon as the rocket soared over Afton Canyon in the Mojave Desert. Brett described the experience as an amazing surprise, with vibrant colors lighting up the sky from below by the setting sun’s rays.

Social media was flooded with posts and pictures documenting this remarkable scene, adding to the collective sense of awe and wonder.

Public Response and Reports

Many people who saw this event reported it to the American Meteor Society, which monitors and documents celestial anomalies such as meteors. The society received seven reports of “fireballs” spotted in the sky, indicating the scale and impact of the phenomenon.

Videos circulated from Phoenix, Arizona, where some viewers speculated whether the streak across the sky could be a comet.

Conclusion

The Falcon 9 rocket launch and the resulting jellyfish effect in the western United States sky was a rare cosmic display that amazed and inspired many who were fortunate enough to see it. These events are rare but not impossible to repeat, especially during launches near dawn or dusk. So, if you live near launch sites, don’t hesitate to keep an eye on the sky for a chance to witness such breathtaking phenomena.