A mysterious blue spiral lit up the skies across Europe on Monday night, sparking excitement and speculation on social media. People from the UK, France, Norway, Germany, Ukraine, Denmark, and Poland all reported seeing this unusual phenomenon.
The spectacle lasted several minutes before fading away, leaving viewers puzzled. However, scientists quickly explained the likely cause: the aftermath of a SpaceX rocket launch in the U.S. According to the UK’s Met Office, the spiral was a result of the rocket’s frozen exhaust plume reflecting sunlight as it spun in the atmosphere.
On that day, a Falcon 9 rocket lifted off from Florida at about 6:50 PM CET for a classified mission for the U.S. government’s National Reconnaissance Office.
So, how does a rocket create such a visual display? Falcon 9 rockets are designed to be reused. After delivering their payload into space, they return to Earth. During this process, the first stage expels leftover fuel. The rocket’s movement causes this fuel to form swirling patterns, which freeze at high altitudes. When sunlight hits the frozen fuel, it creates a stunning spiral that can be seen from the ground.
Interestingly, this isn’t the first time people have experienced bizarre sights in the sky. Similar events have occurred in the past, often linked to rocket launches or atmospheric phenomena. For example, in 2009, people were amazed by a "spiral of light" over Norway, which was later attributed to a failed Russian missile test.
These displays often cause excitement and wonder, showcasing how human activity in space can capture the imagination back on Earth. It’s a reminder that while we might look to the stars for answers, sometimes the most captivating experiences are right above us, rooted in our own technological advancements.
As we continue to explore space, such events highlight the intersection of technology and nature, leaving many eager to know more about our universe. For more information on SpaceX and their missions, you can visit their official site here.
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Source linkSpace,Elon Musk,SpaceX