# NASA explains space jellyfish photos

> NASA reveals how SpaceX launch creates viral 'space jellyfish' sky phenomenon.
- Title: NASA explains space jellyfish photos · Digital Camera World
- Summary: NASA reveals how SpaceX launch creates viral 'space jellyfish' sky phenomenon. NASA explains that early morning sunlight backlights SpaceX rocket exhaust…
- Keywords: space jellyfish, space x, spaceport cape canaveral, international space station, rocket exhaust, sunlight, space photography, NASA, explains, space, jellyfish, photos
- Source: Digital Camera World — https://digitalcameraworld.com/photography/astrophotography/wild-photos-and-videos-of-a-space-jellyfish-behind-a-rocket-are-quickly-going-viral-nasa-explains-the-magic-behind-the-jaw-dropping-sight
- Published: 2026-10-14T12:30:12+00:00
- Read time: 1 min
- Topics: space jellyfish, space x, spaceport cape canaveral, international space station, rocket exhaust, sunlight, space photography
## SpaceX launch creates viral sky phenomenon
A SpaceX CRS-35 cargo mission launched from Cape Canaveral Space Force Station on October 13.
## NASA explains 'space jellyfish' phenomenon
NASA describes the bright colored shape expanding from the rocket's launch path and hanging suspended for minutes.
## 15-second long exposure photograph
The photograph shows the rocket's exhaust plumes lighting up blue as sunlight rises behind clouds.
## Visible from Washington DC
The sight was visible up to 800 miles from the launch site, including washington dc.
## Early morning sunlight effect
Sunlight reaches earth's upper atmosphere before ground darkness ends, back lighting rocket exhaust plumes.
## Space jellyfish science explained
Early morning sunlight makes rocket exhaust plumes visible like fireworks in the night sky.
## Key takeaway

NASA explains that early morning sunlight backlights SpaceX rocket exhaust plumes to create visible 'space jellyfish' shapes in the sky.