The twilight liftoff of a Falcon 9 rocket from Vandenberg Space Force Base on Monday night captivated audiences along the West Coast with a stunning celestial display. The two-stage rocket, designed and built by SpaceX, successfully launched at 8:34 p.m. from the Space Launch Complex-4 located on the South Base.
The mission featured the rocket’s first-stage booster, which completed its third flight before landing safely on a droneship stationed in the Pacific Ocean. Approximately one hour after liftoff, the Falcon 9 had successfully deployed 26 additional Starlink satellites into orbit, a testament to SpaceX's ongoing efforts to expand global internet coverage.
The combination of clear skies and the twilight launch contributed to an exceptionally picturesque experience for onlookers, extending well beyond Santa Barbara County. The twilight phenomenon, often witnessed during rocket and missile launches just before sunrise or shortly after sunset, adds a unique visual element to these events.
During this phenomenon, exhaust particles from the rocket's propellant condense and freeze in the upper atmosphere, creating a colorful display as the plume is illuminated by sunlight against a darkening sky. This visual spectacle can exhibit a variety of colors, including rose, blue, and green, making it a breathtaking sight for spectators located hundreds of miles away from the launch site.
In the past, when rocket launches were less frequent, many viewers mistakenly believed that the colorful effects were indicative of a launch failure. However, military officials clarified these misconceptions by explaining the twilight phenomenon. On Monday night, favorable conditions allowed observers to witness the rocket's ascent for over six minutes, capturing the moment when the first-stage booster and two fairing halves detached from the rocket after fulfilling their roles.
The stunning visuals were not limited to those in Southern California. Reports of sightings came in from a wide area, including baseball fans at Dodger Stadium and even individuals located in Arizona and Nevada. This launch marked the 25th Falcon 9 rocket launch from Vandenberg in 2025, and enthusiasts are eagerly anticipating the next launch, which could take place as soon as Friday afternoon.
