Unusual Glowing Object Seen in Nepal’s Evening Sky Likely Linked to SpaceX Rocket Phenomenon

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Unusual Glowing Object Seen in Nepal’s Evening Sky Likely Linked to SpaceX Rocket Phenomenon

Unusual Glowing Object Seen in Nepal’s Evening Sky Likely Linked to SpaceX Rocket Phenomenon

Ganesh Khatiwada 2026-03-15 20:41:00

Pokhara - Residents across parts of Nepal observed a mysterious glowing object moving across the evening sky on Sunday, sparking curiosity and speculation on social media. The bright, cone-shaped light with a trailing luminous cloud, visible against the dark sky, resembles a phenomenon often associated with rocket launches known as the “space jellyfish” effect.
Experts say the visual pattern strongly resembles the atmospheric plume produced by the rocket stage of a Falcon 9 launched by the aerospace company SpaceX. The Falcon 9 frequently launches satellites-including the Starlink network-into low Earth orbit.
What is the “Jellyfish Effect”?
The glowing cloud visible in the sky is created when a rocket travels to high altitude and releases exhaust gases that expand widely in the thin upper atmosphere. When sunlight hits these gases while the ground below is already dark, the plume becomes brightly illuminated, producing a jellyfish-shaped glow.
This phenomenon often occurs during launches at dawn or dusk, when the rocket’s exhaust plume is still lit by sunlight above the Earth’s shadow. The expanding gases-mainly water vapor and carbon dioxide-scatter sunlight and create dramatic shapes and colors visible over very long distances.
Why It Can Be Seen Far Away
Because rockets travel hundreds of kilometers above Earth within minutes, the illuminated plume can be visible across large regions or even different countries. Similar sightings have previously been reported across North America and Europe after Falcon 9 launches.
Public Reactions
In Nepal, several observers initially speculated that the glowing formation might be a meteor, UFO, or unusual atmospheric event. However, images circulating online closely match the characteristic triangular plume and expanding halo associated with rocket launches.
While official confirmation would require matching the exact launch time and trajectory of a recent mission, aerospace observers note that the shape and lighting in the photograph strongly resemble a Falcon 9 rocket plume illuminated in twilight.
A Reminder of Increasing Space Activity
As global satellite launches increase, such sky phenomena are becoming more common worldwide. The rapid expansion of satellite constellations like Starlink means rocket launches occur regularly, occasionally producing spectacular optical displays visible far beyond the launch site.
Observers in Nepal witnessing such events are likely seeing the high-altitude effects of modern space launches rather than natural celestial objects.
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