Spy Mission and Space Show: What Actually Caused the Spiral Phenomenon Above Europe?

AUTHOR: M.J. GDNUS

An unusual glowing spiral seen the day before in the sky above Europe was the result of fuel being released from a SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket.

The glowing blue-white spiral that surprised residents across Europe on Monday evening was actually the trail of a SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket, meteorologists and scientists have confirmed.

Meteorological services in the UK and France received numerous reports from citizens who observed the strange sky phenomenon. "Don't worry, it's not a UFO, but rather fuel being released from the SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket," stated France’s Meteo France.

Stunning photographs of the spiral were shared on social media from Sweden, Poland, Hungary, and Croatia. Planetary scientist James O'Donoghue explained that the phenomenon occurred when, after the separation of the first rocket stage, which then returned to Earth, the remaining fuel was released and froze into crystals that reflected sunlight.

"The spiral is the result of the rotating rocket releasing fuel as it fell. These frozen crystals created the brilliant pattern in the sky," said O'Donoghue.

The launch was part of the NROL-69 mission, whose payload is classified, but it is known to have been conducted for the needs of the U.S. National Reconnaissance Office (NRO), which operates military spy satellites.

The rocket successfully landed back at Launch Complex 1 after being launched from Cape Canaveral, and a similar phenomenon was observed in 2022 above New Zealand.

Scientists emphasize that this light phenomenon is not dangerous and can occur during the launch of other rockets, but SpaceX's frequent missions make them the most likely cause of such occurrences.

Astrophysicist Erik Lagadec humorously commented on the event alongside a video from Poland: "I have the feeling this is a guy who loves making a mess – both on Earth and above it!"

SpaceX owner Elon Musk continues to spark controversies, from his relationship with President Trump to the increasing debates about the safety of his space endeavors.