Instagram/@kellyddodd
Dodd and crew generated much amusement and confusion from a hysterical backyard video of a bunch of people taking a SpaceX rocket launch for a UFO. The group was posting the clip on her Instagram page with the hashtags #ufo and #flyingsaucer, screaming at the tops of their lungs and running with their cameras to capture the alien event, which they later decided was just a rocket.
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All this while Dodd and company enjoyed the pandemonium as they witnessed a bright streak flashing across the neighborhood sky, shouting, “What the fuck?” and “It’s a rocket!” Before they knew it, the good-natured debate included such things as: “Is it attacking us?” followed by, “Dude, that was… Where did it come from?” The camera lens was shaking and zooming in to the glowing trail accompanied by excited commentary about flashing lights and changes in elevation.
The comments pretty much promptly identified the scheduled launch of the SpaceX Falcon 9 from Vandenberg Space Force Base in California. “Elon and SpaceX at it again! Tonight’s launch was spectacular!” one said. Another chimed, “Y’all must be living under a rock to not know this is Space X.” A few Southern California locals chimed in on nearly all of the launches, with one saying they “see them all the time living in Buellton.”
The exchange goes to show how even public figures can fall prey to momentary hysteria surrounding space phenomena. Dodd’s sincere shock contrasts quite nicely with the casual attitude of the locals accustomed to rocket launches, making for half the fun. One sarcastic follower wrote, “Haha how do you not know Kelly? Space X launch!” Another turned to the on-screen “AI GENERATE” label and sarcastically called the sighting “NOTHING.”
Interesting, this video started up the last discussion about how SpaceX launches in disarray UFO reports all over the country. An LA guy says, “I SAW THIS TOO! All the way in LA,” thereby further feeding into the notion of mistaken identity because of its visibility across different areas. Others wandered further about their own sightings of similar launches, with one saying having seen it “in 2019 San Diego by Sea World.”
The Dodd incident isn’t the first viral moment she’s ever witnessed and is arguably the most cheerful yet. Unlike scripted reality TV drama, this backyard mishap was a big hit among viewers because it captured raw, unfiltered reactions. Even the skeptics were sucked in, like the commenter who deadpanned, “It says AI GENERATE so I’m going to say it’s, NOTHING,” which sparked a whole debate about the video’s authenticity.
While Dodd has not come forward to respond to the pretty playful roasting in her comments, the post’s engagement shows that people love these random glimpses into celebrities’ everyday lives- especially when there’s a bit of harmless fun involved. Whether it’s a rocket or possibly a UFO or just another evening at Pickleball Party Town, it’s obvious that there is going to be a trending topic.
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The comedic element lies in its universality since we have all had those moments where something common seems to be an extraordinary event until a sting of logic sets in. Instantly, numerous Instagram detectives equipped with SpaceX launch schedules, and a collective laissez-faire chuckle established the context for Dodd. And really, isn’t that what social media is supposed to be?