Shiny clouds lingered within the Florida sky within the hours after SpaceX launched its newest mission from the House Coast early Thursday morning (Jan. 26).
SpaceX launched 56Â Starlink satellites from Cape Canaveral House Drive Station in Florida at 4:32 a.m. EST (0932 GMT). The predawn launch produced noctilucent clouds that have been seen after the launch, based on native reviews posted on Twitter.
“These by no means get previous and are completely different after each launch,” posted (opens in new tab) meteorologist Wright Dobbs, who seen the clouds from Tallahassee, a four-hour drive away from the launch web site, which is close to Orlando.
Noctilucent clouds are uncommon high-altitude clouds that may additionally seem naturally, however solely when particular circumstances are fulfilled. Typically they’re seen in the summertime months, after sundown, and are distinctive wispy streaks that stand out from different cloud sorts.Â
Associated: SpaceX’s Starlink megaconstellation launches in photos
Stunning noctilucent clouds this morning about 1.5 hrs after launch of the #SpaceX #Starlink 5-2 mission. This was the view of the clouds from #Tallahassee. These by no means get previous and are completely different after each launch! #FLwx #Falcon9 #Florida #LoveFL @spann @KKennedy_WX @WCTVMike pic.twitter.com/Efoa08vcFcJanuary 26, 2023
There was a launch–there wasn’t a lot to see.Regardless of thick clouds and drizzle SpaceX efficiently launched 56 Starlink satellites, group 5-2, into orbit on prime of a Falcon9 rocket at 4:32am this morning. This was the fifth launch from Florida this month. 📷 by #rpgphotography pic.twitter.com/4yjsjNCpg2January 26, 2023
Two ships passing within the night time: #spacex Starlink 5-2 rises above the clouds behind a ship sitting anchored on the Banana River this morning. Gentle showers are across the Cape this morning with a low cloud deck — this rocket roughly disappeared after about 15-20 seconds. pic.twitter.com/eVzQQcsbWpJanuary 26, 2023
It is common for SpaceX launches to depart behind intriguing sky patterns, together with  “space jellyfish” or spiral shapes excessive within the sky. These are innocent results ensuing from rocket gases excessive within the ambiance.
SpaceX has launched six occasions this yr to date and will get to 100 liftoffs overall in 2023 throughout its numerous applications, together with launches to the International Space Station with astronauts on board, in addition to forthcoming alternatives with the Falcon 9, Falcon Heavy and doubtlessly the large Starship Mars rocket, which continues to be in growth.
Editor’s observe: In case you captured a shocking view of the SpaceX launch and need to share it for a picture gallery or story, tell us! You’ll be able to ship pictures and feedback in to spacephotos@space.com.
Observe Elizabeth Howell on Twitter @howellspace (opens in new tab). Observe us on Twitter @Spacedotcom (opens in new tab) or Fb.Â
