Sky's Mysterious Blue Spiral: Not Aliens, But Rocket Science

A blue spiral that lit up the night sky over Europe on March 24th sparked curiosity and speculation. Many people wondered what it was. Some even thought it might be aliens. However, the truth is more down-to-earth. It was a SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket launch that caused this spectacle. The rocket took off from Florida, carrying a secretive mission for the National Reconnaissance Office. A few hours later, a blue spiral appeared in the sky over Europe. It lasted for a few minutes, leaving people puzzled. Videos and photos flooded social media, with many comparing it to a spiral galaxy. So, what caused this strange sight? When the rocket's upper stage separated from the booster, the booster began to spiral back to Earth. It released its remaining fuel, which froze instantly due to the high altitude. This created a swirling pattern that reflected light, making it visible from the ground. People from various countries, including the UK, Poland, and Croatia, witnessed this event. Some were amazed, while others were concerned. Physicist Brian Cox reassured everyone that it was related to the SpaceX launch. The spiral, though not alien, was still a remarkable sight. Daniel Puchalski captured stunning photos of it over Poland. He shared them on social media, highlighting the beauty of the event. This isn't the first time such a spiral has appeared. They are known as "SpaceX spirals" and occur when rockets release fuel at high altitudes. As rocket launches become more common, these spirals might become a regular sight. While some might be disappointed that the spiral wasn't an alien invasion, the truth is still fascinating. It's a reminder of the incredible technology that allows us to explore space.