SpaceX Rocket Fuel Creates Stunning Spiral Over European Skies

Frozen exhaust from a classified SpaceX mission caused a glowing spiral visible across the UK and Europe, sparking fascination and speculation.

The glowing spiral, seen on March 24, 2025, was caused by frozen fuel vented from a SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket during its descent.
The rocket launched earlier that day from Cape Canaveral, Florida, on a classified mission for the US National Reconnaissance Office (NROL-69).
The phenomenon, visible across the UK and parts of Europe, resulted from sunlight reflecting off ice crystals formed at high altitudes.
Initial sightings led to speculation about UFOs, but experts quickly identified the spiral as a byproduct of the rocket's operation.
Similar spirals have been observed following past SpaceX launches, with this one enhanced by favorable twilight conditions over Europe.