Philippine Navy Reports Glowing “Space Jellyfish” Over Puerto Princesa and West Philippine Sea Islands
A glowing “space jellyfish” was reportedly seen over Puerto Princesa City and several Philippine-held islands in the West Philippine Sea (WPS) after China launched a rocket on Monday morning, November 9, 2026.
According to the Philippine Navy’s Naval Command West (NCW), China’s Long March-12 rocket lifted off from the Hainan International Commercial Launch Center in Wenchang, Hainan at 4:24 a.m., as reported by GMA News.
Nine minutes later, at 4:33 a.m., Navy personnel in Puerto Princesa reportedly saw a bright, cone-shaped vapor trail moving from northwest to southeast, along with a red-orange streak of light. The sight lasted for about one minute and 29 seconds.
Observers also said they heard a loud explosive sound at around 4:37 a.m., followed by two weaker sounds and some rumbling a minute later. The Navy said these sounds may be linked to the rocket’s ascent and flight through the atmosphere.
Similar sightings were reported by personnel in the WPS. Luminous white trails were spotted from Lawak, Patag and Rizal Reef Stations, while a faint white light was seen from Likas Station. A bright object was also observed about 19 nautical miles from Tubbataha Station.
The NCW explained that the phenomenon was “likely caused by the expansion of rocket exhaust gases at high altitude, illuminated by sunlight while observers on the ground remained in darkness.”
As a precaution, all Navy units and assets under the Command were placed on heightened alert to allow immediate reporting and assessment of any possible incidents in its area.
The Command said it is working with partner agencies, coastal communities and local fisherfolk so that suspected rocket debris and other falling objects can be reported right away.
The public is reminded to report any suspected rocket debris to local authorities and to avoid touching or going near it.
In a previous post, PhilSA warned that debris from the same Long March 12 launch may have fallen near Palawan and the Tubbataha Reefs.
