(This SpaceX rocket launch in Florida has been postponed to now no earlier than 8:09 a.m. Fri. March 13.)
The next SpaceX rocket launch from Florida is set to occur early Friday − and while no longer likely, many hoped it would create a "jellyfish effect".
The Falcon 9 rocket is scheduled to launch now no earlier than 8:09 a.m. Fri., March 13 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 was a chance people along the East Coast might spot the rocket. However, given that liftoff will now occur after sunrise, it would be hard to see.
SpaceX has until 10 a.m. to make the liftoff.
Will this SpaceX rocket launch from Florida give a 'jellyfish'?
There was also another reason many were 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 13, sunrise in Cape Canaveral will be approximately 7:34 a.m. Meanwhile, sunrise in New York City will come earlier, at 7:11 a.m. Should the rocket have been 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.
