Petrozavodsk ‘jellyfish’ phenomenon

Record summary

What happened Observers across several countries saw a luminous object or ‘jellyfish’ spreading rays across the predawn sky. Photographs and reports prompted a Soviet programme for anomalous atmospheric phenomena. The display coincided with the secret launch of Kosmos 955 from Plesetsk. Evidence Wide geographic observations, photographs, launch records and government scientific attention document the event. Explanations considered A rocket exhaust plume expanding at high altitude and illuminated by sunlight explains the timing, shape and broad visibility. What remains uncertain Some reported window damage or local effects are poorly documented and need not share the launch’s cause. Primary source Petrozavodsk ‘jellyfish’ phenomenon — Wikipedia