Hot Take: Why rocket trails look like jellyfish

A glowing "jellyfish" floating across the night sky?

The spectacular sight that lit up Chinese social media was actually the trail of China's Long March-6A rocket. As hot exhaust expanded in the thin upper atmosphere, it formed a giant, jellyfish-like shape, with its tail glowing gold and blue.

The secret behind the glow? While the sky below was already dark, the high-altitude trail was still catching sunlight. This twilight phenomenon depends on the timing of the launch, atmospheric conditions and a clear view of the sky.

How does it happen, and could you spot one yourself? Find out in this episode of Hot Take.

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