Crew-12 launch lights up morning sky over the First Coast

Unique clouds and noctilucent displays captured by photographers across Northeast Florida

Published on Feb. 13, 2026

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Early risers across the First Coast were treated to a unique sight Friday morning following the Crew-12 Falcon 9 space shuttle launch before sunrise at 5:15 a.m. Viewers captured the classic "jelly fish" cloud that forms as the rocket moves through the stratosphere, as well as noctilucent clouds that shone vividly against the dark sky as sunlight struck the ice crystals and exhaust particles drifting high in the mesosphere.

Why it matters

The Crew-12 launch and the resulting atmospheric phenomena provide a rare opportunity for sky gazers and photographers to witness the dramatic visual effects of a rocket launch, showcasing the interplay between space technology and the natural world.

The details

During the launch, the rocket's movement through the stratosphere created a distinctive "jelly fish" cloud formation, while the ice crystals and exhaust particles drifted into the mesosphere, roughly 50 miles above Earth. When sunlight struck these high-altitude particles at just the right angle during the pre-dawn hours, it produced a ghostly glow of noctilucent clouds that were visible across Northeast Florida.

  • The Crew-12 Falcon 9 space shuttle launched at 5:15 a.m. on Friday, February 13, 2026.

The players

Crew-12

The 12th crewed mission of the SpaceX Crew Dragon spacecraft, launched aboard a Falcon 9 rocket.

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The takeaway

The Crew-12 launch and the resulting atmospheric phenomena serve as a captivating reminder of the intricate relationship between space exploration and the natural world, providing a unique opportunity for sky enthusiasts and photographers to witness the awe-inspiring visual effects of a rocket launch.