Maran Perianen
The bright light over Sabah early on Monday, 9 November, came from a Chinese rocket launch. The Ministry of Science, Technology and Innovation (MOSTI) confirmed it through the Malaysian Space Agency (MYSA). The launch also comes as Malaysia upgrades its air defence, with FA-50M jets landing in Labuan.
MYSA said a Long March 12 rocket lifted off at 4.24am local time. The launch took place at the Hainan International Commercial Launch Centre in Wenchang, Hainan, China. Meanwhile, many Sabahans noticed a glow in the pre-dawn sky around 4.30am.
Overall, here is what MYSA confirmed, why the sky looked so odd, and what the public should do. Yet the agency has not named the payload or said how high the rocket’s exhaust was.
What MYSA said about the bright light over Sabah
In its statement, MYSA gave the launch time and place. Notably, it linked the sighting directly to the Long March 12 mission. As a result, the agency ruled out other causes such as a meteor or a plane.
The Philippine Space Agency (PhilSA) also flagged a possible debris drop zone. This zone lies in Philippine waters, so it is outside Malaysia. Even so, MYSA passed on the warning to the public. Still, no harm to Malaysians has been reported.
Specifically, the drop zone is about 25 nautical miles from Puerto Princesa in Palawan. Additionally, it is about 19 nautical miles from Tubbataha Reefs Natural Park. Thus, both points lie within Philippine territorial waters.
Furthermore, MYSA added that it has received no report of debris inside Malaysian territory. However, that could change if parts drift or if residents find objects on land or at sea. For now, the agency treats the risk to Sabah as low.
Why the bright light over Sabah looked like a jellyfish
Indeed, residents described a glowing shape in the sky near Kota Kinabalu. Some even compared it to a jellyfish. This look is often called the space jellyfish effect.
In fact, it can happen when a rocket climbs at twilight. The exhaust expands high up in the thin air. In fact, sunlight can still reach that height, even when the ground below is dark.
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As a result, the cloud glows and spreads out in a rounded shape. Hence the jellyfish look. The stages of the rocket can add to the show. Therefore, the sight can seem strange to people who did not know about the launch.
Admittedly, Wenchang lies in Hainan, far to the north of Sabah. Even so, a high plume can be seen from hundreds of kilometres away. Besides, the direction and the time of the sighting match the launch window MYSA gave.
What to do if you find debris after the bright light over Sabah
Importantly, MYSA urged the public to report any suspicious object tied to the launch. Do not touch it, and keep others away. After all, rocket parts may hold leftover fuel or sharp edges.
To report, contact the Space Regulatory Division at 03-8885 8685. Alternatively, email [email protected]. Be sure to give the place and time, plus a photo from a safe distance.
Likewise, fishermen along Sabah’s east and north coasts should take special care. Their boats work in waters close to the Philippine zone. Meanwhile, MYSA has not issued any sea warning for Malaysian waters.
In short, the bright light over Sabah was a Long March 12 launch. MYSA has found no debris in Malaysian territory. Therefore, anyone who spots a strange object should call 03-8885 8685 and stay clear.
C. Khor
Navin Kumar Perianen
Yalinie Mathan
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