SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA — Residents were treated to a breathtaking display as a SpaceX rocket launch lit up the night sky, creating a glowing plume visible across the region.

One local described the sight as one of their favorite parts of living in Southern California: “The rocket reaches a high enough altitude that its exhaust plume reflects the sunlight from below the horizon on the ground.”

The phenomenon occurs when rockets soar above the atmosphere at twilight, allowing sunlight to illuminate their exhaust trails even as the Earth below is in darkness. The result is a vibrant, almost otherworldly spectacle that has become familiar to Californians living near Vandenberg Space Force Base and other launch sites.

SpaceX’s frequent launches continue to inspire awe while pushing forward advancements in space exploration, satellite deployment, and reusable rocket technology.