At first glance, it may appear that the striking images below depict a nebula formed as a result of a supernova explosion. But actually, the phenomenon captured in them is totally caused by humans. This nebula formed in the sky during a rocket launch.

The photos were taken on June 25 during the launch of the Falcon 9 rocket. It successfully sent the private Ax-4 mission to the ISS. The nebula formed during the separation of the first stage of Falcon 9. According to astrophotographer John Kraus, it was caused by the mixing of emissions from the second stage of the rocket and the engines of the first stage, which began its return maneuver to the ground launch site.

Another well-known astrophotographer, Andrew McCarthy, was also present at the launch and managed to photograph the nebula. In his post on social network X, he noted that this was the first time he had managed to capture such a phenomenon.

Just to remind you, McCarthy recently posted another impressive image. It shows the ISS passing in front of a solar flare.