On Monday evening, a glowing spiral was spotted in the skies above parts of the UK and Ireland, sparking curiosity and wonder among stargazers. This unusual light display was visible for several minutes before fading, and it wasn’t the result of an unidentified flying object (UFO), as some may have speculated. Instead, the likely cause of the glowing spiral was a SpaceX rocket launch, specifically the SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket.
What Caused the Glowing Spiral in the Sky?
According to the Met Office and astronomers, the glowing spiral was the result of a SpaceX rocket fuel dump during a launch.Â
The Falcon 9 rocket had lifted off from Florida at approximately 5:50 PM local time (1:50 PM UTC) as part of a classified U.S. government mission.Â
As the rocket reached space, it released its payload, which included satellites, and then turned back towards Earth. During this process, any leftover fuel was ejected.
The altitude of the rocket was so high that the fuel immediately froze in the vacuum of space. As the frozen fuel spiraled and reflected the sunlight, it formed a spiral in the sky that was visible from the ground.Â
The SpaceX fuel dump created a temporary but stunning display that could be seen across the UK, including in areas like Wales, Nottinghamshire, Leicestershire, and Shropshire.
How the Spiral in the Sky Appeared
Witnesses across the UK shared their experiences and images of the spiral in the sky on social media. One observer from Leicestershire described seeing the spiral light “start hazy, then become really bright before looking like it was spinning.”Â
Similarly, in Nottinghamshire, the glowing light appeared as a blurry ring, eventually turning into a defined spiral pattern. The entire phenomenon lasted just a few minutes before fading away, leaving many in awe of this rare spectacle.
Astronomer Allan Trow confirmed that the SpaceX spiral was likely caused by the Falcon 9 rocket’s fuel dump. He also noted that such SpaceX rocket sky phenomena, while striking, are relatively rare.Â
Trow recalled seeing a similar event around four years ago, but it’s not a common occurrence.
Similar Observations Across Europe
The SpaceX rocket launch didn’t just leave its mark in the UK; the glowing spiral was also seen in parts of Europe, including Denmark and Italy.Â
The spiraling cloud of light was clearly visible for several minutes, thanks to the reflection of sunlight off the frozen fuel that was expelled during the rocket’s return to Earth. This explains why such spirals are often visible at dusk or dawn, when sunlight can illuminate them in the atmosphere.
The SpaceX Rocket Launch and Its Impact
This latest SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket launch serves as a reminder of the immense scale and impact of space exploration.
While the spirals created by frozen rocket fuel may appear mysterious at first glance, they are simply a byproduct of the rocket’s journey through space.
However, the SpaceX rocket fuel dump raises questions about the environmental impact of such events, and whether the consequences of rocket launches need further investigation.
As for the glowing spiral, it’s a beautiful reminder of humanity’s growing presence in space. Whether it’s a SpaceX spiral or a spiral light in the sky caused by another rocket, these events continue to captivate our imaginations.