ST. GEORGE — 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.
Alas, the launch was delayed twice Wednesday night and has been rescheduled for Thursday evening.
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 shortly before launch, SpaceX announced a delay to later Wednesday evening before standing down for another launch opportunity Thursday evening at 9:20 p.m. No reason was given for the delay.
SpaceX said earlier in a media statement on the launch that for viewers in Utah, Nevada and Arizona, there is the potential for what is known as a “space jellyfish” effect. SpaceX confirmed that is still a possibility for the launch time Thursday night.
In what is a visual phenomenon, rather than anything caused by the rocket, the sun’s illumination of the rocket plume creates a bright glow that looks like a bulbous, jellyfish-like shape against the darker sky. The color can range from bright white to orange or even pink depending on the sunlight and atmospheric conditions.
The launch will have a 53-degree, southeastern trajectory that will allow people throughout Southern Utah to see it.
The National Weather Service forecast said there was the potential for a few clouds in the sky at launch time.
People in Southern Utah should expect to see the streak of the first, then the second stage of the rocket in the southwest around a minute and 30 seconds after launch.
For updates on launch times and the status of the launch, go to this link by SpaceX.
Updated 5:40 p.m., Thursday, May 9: Added web link to launch status.
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