A scheduled launch of a SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket from California that was expected to be visible from Southern Utah has been delayed, potentially offering a chance to witness a unique visual phenomenon known as a ‘space jellyfish.’
The rocket, carrying a group of Starlink internet satellites, was initially set to launch from Vandenberg Space Force Base in California at 8:48 p.m. MDT on Wednesday. However, the launch was postponed twice on Wednesday night and rescheduled for Thursday evening at 9:20 p.m.
The ‘space jellyfish’ effect, which is a visual phenomenon caused by the sun’s illumination of the rocket plume, creates a bright glow resembling a jellyfish against the dark sky. The color of the glow can vary from bright white to orange or pink depending on sunlight and atmospheric conditions.
Although the launch trajectory will have a 53-degree, southeastern direction, allowing people throughout Southern Utah to potentially witness it, the ‘space jellyfish’ effect is not expected during the rescheduled launch times.
Viewers in Utah, Nevada, and Arizona were initially informed about the possibility of witnessing this unique phenomenon, but due to the launch delays, the effect is now unlikely to occur during the later launch times.
Weather conditions at the time of launch may include a few clouds in the sky, according to the National Weather Service forecast. Southern Utah residents can anticipate seeing the rocket’s streaks in the southwest approximately a minute and 30 seconds after launch.
Stay tuned for updates on the rescheduled launch set for Thursday night.
