ST. PETERSBURG, Fla. — A launch from SpaceX early Wednesday morning produced a captivating sight for Florida residents to look at during their commutes.
After a Falcon 9 launched 20 Starlink satellites into orbit from Cape Canaveral, a contrail left from the rocket produced a "jellyfish cloud" that lit up the still-dark sky.
The cloud could be seen from most of Florida, including right here in the Tampa Bay area.
What is a jellyfish cloud?
Space jellyfish clouds, like the one produced Wednesday morning, happen when light reflects off the rocket's exhaust plume in the atmosphere during the evening hours after sunset, according to a report from CBS affiliate WKMG-TV.
Jellyfish clouds are typically described as having a puffy top with streaky lines below resembling the sea creature's tentacles, according to Weather & Radar.
In the absence of a rocket launch, jellyfish clouds usually form when rain falling from the bottom evaporates before reaching the ground, Weather & Radar said. This reportedly happens when precipitation passes through an area of dry or warm air.
When is the next Space X launch?
According to Spaceflight Now, SpaceX's next launch is scheduled for Monday, July 8 from Cape Canaveral, Florida. The time of the launch is yet to be determined. A Falcon 9 rocket will launch the Türksat 6A communications satellite for the Turkish operator Türksat, Spaceflight Now said.
If the time of that launch is scheduled for the evening, maybe Florida residents can get another glimpse of the "jellyfish cloud."