The next SpaceX rocket launch from Florida is set to occur early Thursday, but the question remains: will it cause a “jellyfish effect”?
The Falcon 9 rocket is scheduled to launch no earlier than 6 a.m. Thurs., March 12 from Launch Complex 40 at Cape Canaveral Space Force Station.
The mission is the next batch of SpaceX Starlink internet satellites, titled Starlink 10-48.
Given that the launch will travel on a northeast trajectory, there’s a chance people along the East Coast might spot the rocket. However, this depends on if liftoff occurs while it is still dark, as the launch window extends to 10 a.m. if needed. Once the sun rises, it would be hard to see.
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Will this SpaceX rocket launch from Florida give a ‘jellyfish’?
There is also another reason many are hoping for the perfect pre-sunrise timing.
On the morning of March 4, those in Florida were treated to a ‘jellyfish effect.’ This visual effect of swirling blues and pinks occurs when the sun is just below the horizon and the light hits the rocket trail in the atmosphere at just the right angle.
On March 12, sunrise in Cape Canaveral will be approximately 7:33 a.m. Meanwhile, sunrise in New York City will come earlier, at 7:14 a.m. Should the rocket be delayed to approximately 30 to 40 minutes before sunrise, there would be a high chance this “jellyfish” could occur.
The FLORIDA TODAY Space Team will give live updates beginning at 90 minutes prior to liftoff at FloridaToday.com/Space.
Brooke Edwards is a Space Reporter for Florida Today. Contact her at bedwards@floridatoday.com or on X: @brookeofstars.
This article originally appeared on Florida Today: SpaceX rocket launch from Cape Canaveral set for predawn Thursday