A scheduled launch of a SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket from California on Wednesday evening was not only likely to be visible from Southern Utah but also had the potential to create a phenomenon known as a ‘space jellyfish’ because of the timing of the liftoff.

The rocket carrying a group of Starlink internet satellites was initially scheduled to launch from Vandenberg Space Force Base in California at 8:48 p.m. MDT but was delayed twice on Wednesday night and rescheduled for Thursday evening at 9:20 p.m.

SpaceX confirmed that viewers in Utah, Nevada, and Arizona might witness the ‘space jellyfish’ effect, where the sun’s illumination of the rocket plume creates a bright glow resembling a bulbous, jellyfish-like shape against the darker sky, with colors ranging from white to orange or pink depending on sunlight and atmospheric conditions.

The launch trajectory will be at a 53-degree, southeastern angle, allowing people throughout Southern Utah to observe it, with the National Weather Service forecasting a possibility of a few clouds in the sky at launch time.

Spectators in Southern Utah can expect to see the rocket streak in the southwest approximately a minute and 30 seconds after launch. For updates on launch times and the status of the launch, viewers can refer to the provided SpaceX link.

Overall, the SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket launch from California had the potential to create a stunning visual display in the Southern Utah sky, offering residents a unique opportunity to witness the ‘space jellyfish’ effect firsthand.