SpaceX launch may create ‘space jellyfish’ over Central Florida skies Tuesday

SpaceX is scheduled to launch its Bandwagon-5 mission aboard a Falcon 9 rocket during a one-hour window starting at 6:30 a.m. Tuesday, according to WKMG News 6 ClickOrlando. The launch will take place from Cape Canaveral, with the rocket carrying multiple small satellites and re-entry vehicles into orbit on a rideshare mission.

The re-entry vehicles are designed to return some or all of the satellites back to Earth. A notable visual phenomenon may occur during the launch: a 'space jellyfish' effect. This happens when rocket exhaust gases expand and are illuminated by sunlight in the upper atmosphere while it is still dark on the ground, creating a glowing, bulb-shaped cloud with wispy trails.

This effect was observed about a week ago during a previous launch and can appear almost otherworldly from the ground. WKMG News 6 ClickOrlando encourages local residents to photograph the phenomenon if it occurs and share their images for possible feature on their website and broadcasts.

The Falcon 9's first stage booster has flown 19 times previously, including missions for NASA's Crew-9 and multiple Starlink launches. After stage separation, the booster will attempt to land on the droneship 'A Shortfall of Gravitas' stationed in the Atlantic Ocean. A backup launch opportunity is planned for Wednesday if weather or other conditions delay Tuesday's attempt.