US EditionSpiral in the sky likely to be from SpaceX launch
- On March 24, a blue and white spiral was observed in the skies above Worcestershire, Herefordshire, and other parts of the UK around 8 pm GMT.
- The unusual phenomenon was caused by a fuel dump from the second stage deorbit burn of a SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket launched from the US at 5.48 pm GMT from Cape Canaveral Space Force Station in Florida for the National Reconnaissance Office mission NROL-69.
- The SpaceX craft was performing maneuvers, and its exhaust jets created a visible swirl as the upper stage of the Falcon 9 rocket released unnecessary fuel, which froze into tiny crystals reflecting sunlight and forming a spiral shape as the rocket spun.
- Professor Brian Cox stated on X that the spiral shape was associated with the SpaceX launch, and VirtualAstro explained on X that SpaceX created the spiral over Worcester, while others, including astrophotographer Will Cheung, confirmed it was likely excess fuel.
- The spectacle, captured by Worcester News Camera Club members like Tara Jayne and Lesley Wood, and witnessed by people across the UK, flooded social media with images of the "SpaceX spirals," dispelling initial speculation of UFOs.
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SpaceX Rocket Launch Creates Glowing Spiral in the Night Sky for Europe - Overpasses For America
A spiral of light illuminating the night sky captivated observers in Britain and much of Europe on Monday. Its cause: a SpaceX rocket, experts said, after the glowing spectacle ignited widespread curiosity and speculation about its origin. The ethereal display, seen from England to Eastern Europe, resembled a glowing celestial whirlpool in images posted on social media, where users reported seeing it for several minutes before it faded. The Met …
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