Glowing Spiral Over Europe Linked to SpaceX Rocket Launch

The phenomenon, visible for minutes across the UK and Europe, was caused by frozen exhaust from a classified Falcon 9 mission.

A glowing spiral appeared in the night sky on March 24, 2025, visible across the UK, Ireland, Denmark, and Italy.
The Met Office confirmed the spiral was caused by frozen exhaust smoke from a SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket launched earlier that day.
The rocket was on a classified mission for the US National Reconnaissance Office, with leftover fuel creating the spiral effect.
The phenomenon occurs when rocket fuel freezes at high altitudes and reflects sunlight, a recurring effect of SpaceX launches.
Public speculation initially suggested extraterrestrial origins, but experts quickly clarified the scientific explanation.