The launch of a Falcon 9 from Cape Canaveral in Florida marked the last scheduled Starlink mission departing from that site. The rocket carried another batch of Starlink satellites into low Earth orbit.
Shortly after liftoff, the exhaust plume rose high into the atmosphere where sunlight illuminated the fine particles. Under the prevailing conditions this created a bright, jellyfish‑like formation that stretched across the sky.
Observers across the New York City metropolitan area clearly saw the glowing shape in the evening sky. Many recorded the phenomenon on their phones and shared the footage online.
Atmospheric scientists note that the effect occurs when exhaust particles scatter sunlight, producing a luminous halo. While uncommon, such displays can appear when launch timing, viewing angle and atmospheric conditions align.