Jellyfish Cloud: A Rare and Stunning Sight from SpaceX Launch in California

A stunning sight greeted the skies of Southern California on Monday evening as a massive cloud took the shape of a jellyfish with a long tail, before slowly dissipating in the night. The unusual cloud was caused by a SpaceX rocket that had blasted off from California's Vandenberg Space Force Base moments earlier, carrying 26 Starlink internet satellites into orbit. People across Los Angeles, San Diego, and surrounding areas captured dramatic images of the cloud, which was created under specific conditions. A launch needs to occur shortly before daybreak or soon after nightfall, when it is dark on the ground. As the rocket ascends into space, it is eventually illuminated by sunlight, resulting in bright clouds that almost appear to glow. SpaceX rockets are not the only ones that can create these odd-shaped clouds. Similar clouds have been documented by other rockets, including the Space Shuttle, when conditions have been ideal. The launch of the SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket on June 16, 2025, marked the company's 500th overall Falcon mission, and it was visible from Pasadena, California. The launch of the 26 Starlink satellites into orbit around the Earth was a significant event for SpaceX and its founder, Elon Musk. The company has been working on expanding its constellation of satellites to provide internet access to remote areas of the world, and this latest launch is a step in that direction. While the sight of the jellyfish-shaped cloud may have been a rare and fleeting one, it served as a reminder of the power and beauty of space exploration. As we continue to push the boundaries of our understanding and reach for the stars, we can expect to see more incredible sights like this in the skies above us.