Unusual Blue Spiral Illuminates European Night Skies

On Monday evening, a mysterious and breathtaking blue spiral light graced the skies over parts of Europe, captivating viewers and sparking curiosity across social media. The striking visual appeared as a swirling cosmic whirlpool, stunning observers with its vibrant glow and intricate pattern.

Captured in Stunning Footage

A time-lapse video shot from Croatia around 4 p.m. EST (9 p.m. local time) showcases the luminous spiral sweeping across the night sky. The footage, lasting approximately six minutes at normal speed, reveals a mesmerizing spinning light that many viewers compared to a distant galaxy or a cosmic whirlpool. Such images have fueled widespread fascination and discussion online.

Experts Confirm SpaceX as Likely Source

The UK’s Met Office reported receiving numerous sightings of an “illuminated swirl in the sky” and identified the cause as likely stemming from a recent rocket launch. According to their statement, the bright spiral was most probably generated by a SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket booster descending back to Earth following its launch from Cape Canaveral, Florida, around 1:50 p.m. EST.

SpaceX, owned by Elon Musk, was conducting a classified mission for the U.S. government’s National Reconnaissance Office (NRO), involving the deployment of a satellite payload. The Met Office explained that the frozen exhaust plume of the rocket, reflecting sunlight at high altitude, caused the spiral appearance as it spun through the atmosphere.

The Science Behind the Spectacle

What viewers saw was a phenomenon often referred to as a “SpaceX spiral.” This occurs when the upper stage of a Falcon 9 separates from the first stage after launch. As the upper stage continues its journey into orbit, the lower stage begins its descent back to Earth, spinning as it falls and expels remaining fuel.

Due to the extreme altitude, the remaining fuel quickly freezes in the cold upper atmosphere. When sunlight reflects off this icy fuel, it creates the glowing, spiral-shaped light show visible from the ground. This natural but extraordinary effect is a striking example of the spectacular sights achievable through space launch technology.

Additional Context and Recent Space Activity

While the cause of Monday’s cosmic display was likely the Falcon 9’s re-entry, SpaceX has been in the news recently for other notable achievements. Just days before, a team of SpaceX and NASA astronauts successfully returned home after months spent aboard the International Space Station, marking another milestone in ongoing space exploration efforts.

For those interested in following future space launches and related phenomena, official sources such as the SpaceX website and space agencies’ channels offer detailed information and timely updates.

Note: Fox News Digital reached out to SpaceX for comments regarding the event but has not received an immediate response.

Ethan Cole

I'm Ethan Cole, a tech journalist with a passion for uncovering the stories behind innovation. I write about emerging technologies, startups, and the digital trends shaping our future. Read me on x.com