A stunning blue spiral light, likely from a SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket, illuminated the night sky over Europe, captivating viewers and sparking social media commentary.
A mesmerizing blue light graced the night skies over Europe on Monday, captivating onlookers and sparking intrigue across social media platforms. This mysterious spiraling phenomenon was likely caused by the SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket booster as it fell back toward Earth.
Time-lapse footage captured from Croatia around 4 p.m. EST (9 p.m. local time) showcased the glowing spiral, which many commentators likened to a cosmic whirlpool or spiral galaxy. The full video, recorded at normal speed, lasts approximately six minutes, providing a stunning visual of the event.
The Met Office in the United Kingdom reported receiving numerous accounts of an “illuminated swirl in the sky.” Experts have indicated that the display was likely linked to the SpaceX rocket that launched from Cape Canaveral, Florida, at around 1:50 p.m. EST as part of the classified NROL-69 mission for the National Reconnaissance Office (NRO).
“This is likely to be caused by the SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket, launched earlier today,” the Met Office stated on X. “The rocket’s frozen exhaust plume appears to be spinning in the atmosphere and reflecting sunlight, causing it to appear as a spiral in the sky.”
The phenomenon is often referred to as a “SpaceX spiral,” according to Space.com. These spirals typically occur when the upper stage of a Falcon 9 rocket separates from its first-stage booster. As the upper stage continues its journey into space, the lower stage descends back to Earth, releasing any remaining fuel. This fuel freezes almost instantly at high altitudes, and sunlight reflects off it, creating the striking glow observed in the sky.
Fox News Digital reached out to SpaceX for further comment but did not receive an immediate response. This spectacular display followed closely on the heels of a successful mission in which a SpaceX team, in collaboration with NASA, returned two stranded astronauts from space.
The captivating blue spiral not only highlighted the wonders of modern space exploration but also served as a reminder of the intricate processes involved in rocket launches and landings. As technology continues to advance, such breathtaking displays may become more common, further igniting public interest in space travel and exploration.
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