On the evening of March 24, 2025, a spectacular blue spiral light phenomenon captured the attention of residents across various parts of Europe, specifically seen in the night skies over regions such as Vorarlberg, Switzerland, Germany, and even as far west as Baden-Württemberg and Rhineland-Palatinate. The event occurred around 21:01 local time, when many witnesses took to social media to share images and videos of the unusual sight. Eyewitnesses described the spiral light as looking about the size of a palm when viewed with an outstretched hand, leaving many puzzled and curious about its origin.
Experts suggest that the captivating blue spiral was likely a result of rocket activity from SpaceX, notably connected to the Falcon-9 rocket's recent launch. Earlier that day at 18:48, a Falcon-9 rocket carrying out a mission for the National Reconnaissance Office successfully lifted off from Cape Canaveral, Florida. The launch provided an opportunity for the rocket to release excess fuel into the atmosphere at high altitudes, a common occurrence especially after satellites are deployed.
As the rocket ascended, excess propellant could have been ejected, which when exposed to the frigid atmosphere, froze into tiny ice crystals. According to space physicist Don Hampton from the Geophysical Institute of the University of Alaska Fairbanks, this process is considered entirely normal whenever rockets ditch surplus fuel. He explained, "When excess fuel is dumped, the water contained in the gases can freeze into tiny crystals. Sunlight reflects off these crystals, creating a visual effect that appears like a large cloud, occasionally taking on a swirling shape. This is precisely what observers were likely viewing last night." Throughout the years, similar phenomena have resulted in speculation and even UFO sightings, particularly over areas like Hawaii and more recently, Alaska.
Images from the evening displayed a mesmerizing display that varied in form and intensity depending on the location of the observer. Reports indicated that the spiral light appeared to travel from Lake Constance through Lindau towards Bregenzerwald, and was not just limited to Austria. Other regions, including Hamburg, Rostock, Klütz in Mecklenburg-Vorpommern, and Schleswig-Holstein in Germany, also reported seeing this magnificent spectacle.
The phenomenon sparked numerous inquiries from curious citizens, who shared their astonishment online as they questioned the nature of the spiral. The social media buzz showed people excited about what they witnessed, with some commenting, "What is that?" and “I've never seen anything like this!” As captured in vivid videos, the spiral could be seen moving from west to east against the backdrop of the colorful twilight sky.
The aftermath of the rocket launch has raised awareness about how commonly such breathtaking visuals can occur if rocket launches become more frequent. Experts predict that with advancements in space exploration and an uptick in rocket activities, more similar sightings are likely to capture public attention in the future. Marco Ludwig, an astronomer from a local observatory in Neumünster, remarked that the light from this recent event was illuminated by the setting sun at an altitude between 400 to 600 kilometers in the atmosphere. He indicated that the size of the spiral could be largely attributed to the rotational movement of the rocket during its ascent.
For many, this sighting provided both awe and wonder, as tales of extraterrestrial life were momentarily discussed while the real answer lay in the high-speed world of rocket launches and their byproducts. As similar displays are anticipated to recur, residents across Europe are reminded to keep an eye on the skies during rocket launches, which could lead to further mesmerizing sights similar to the blue spiral witnessed on that eventful night.
