Space Coast Residents Got A Treat
Early Friday when SpaceX's the latest Starlink satellite fleet launch spawned an eerie glowing cloud that shined like some medieval fantasy monster in the predawn sky.
A SpaceX Falcon 9 Rocket Topped
With 53 of SpaceX's Starlink Internet satellites successfully lifted off at 5:42 a.m. EDT (0942 GMT) from NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida.
Professional Photos From SpaceX
Captured the spectacular predawn launch as it streaked over the Atlantic Ocean, lighting up the clouds.
This was The 12th Launch For This
Particular Falcon 9 rocket's first stage, tying a company reuse record, and the first stage once again landed at sea on top of one of SpaceX's drone ships.
Floridians And Visitors
To the coast also caught views of the glowing rocket as it made its way high into the atmosphere.
This Type Of Effect Is Called A
"Space jellyfish", which is produced due to a combination of the Falcon 9's exhaust and the timing of the launch.
The Exhaust Exiting
The nozzle was "under-expanded," meaning the gas was at a higher pressure than the surrounding air