A giant spiral appeared in the sky while people were looking for the Northern Lights. It left them amazed and confused.
The mysterious phenomenon took place last year, capturing attention on social media. Many people took pictures of the strange occurrence, causing speculation about its cause.
The spiral was later revealed to be the result of rocket exhaust from a SpaceX mission.
A giant spiral in the sky during the Northern Lights search amazed and confused observers.
The mysterious phenomenon took place last year, capturing attention on social media. Many people took pictures of the strange occurrence, causing speculation about its cause.
On April 14 of last year, in the early hours of the morning, the extraordinary spiral made its presence known in Alaska, USA, captivating social media with its enigmatic appearance.
Elizabeth Withnall, an avid aurora-watcher, captured the strange occurrence and shared the mesmerizing photos on Facebook, accompanying them with a caption expressing her astonishment.
The images quickly spread across various social media platforms, sparking intense speculation about the origin of the mysterious spiral.
Some individuals suggested that it could be evidence of extraterrestrial life, while others maintained that it was a unique sighting of the Northern Lights.
The spiral was later revealed to be the result of rocket exhaust from a SpaceX mission.
The spiral's true nature was revealed to be nothing more than the exhaust trail of a rocket.
Space physicist Don Hampton, a research associate professor at the University of Alaska Fairbanks Geophysical Institute, shed light on the phenomenon.
Through online research, he discovered that the spiral was actually created by the rocket engine exhaust from a SpaceX Transporter-7 mission that had launched three hours prior in California.
As the second stage engine released exhaust containing water vapor, the freezing temperatures at high altitudes caused the vapor to freeze and reflect sunlight, resulting in the stunning spiral display.
The SpaceX rocket was carrying 51 satellites and was on its way to orbit. Its altitude over Alaska during its fly-by contributed to the breathtaking visual spectacle that captivated many people.
Photographer Todd Salat, known for his expertise in capturing the aurora, was among those who witnessed the spiral's expansion and movement near Delta Junction.
He recorded a 30-second time-lapse video that showcased the magnificent moment.
Salat, initially unaware of what he was witnessing, soon realized that it was the result of engine exhaust from the SpaceX Transporter-7 mission.
