Luminous Spiral Appears In Polish Sky After Falcon 9 Launch

On March 24, 2025, a rare cosmic phenomenon captured the attention of residents throughout Poland as a luminous spiral, reminiscent of a galaxy, appeared in the night sky shortly after 9:00 PM Polish time. The spectacle was traced back to a scheduled fuel dump from the second stage of a Falcon 9 rocket, which had recently launched from Cape Canaveral in Florida.

The Falcon 9 rocket took off from the SLC-40 launch complex at Cape Canaveral Space Force Station at 6:48 PM, also on March 24. This mission, designated NROL-69, was commissioned by the United States National Reconnaissance Office (NRO) and aimed to deploy a secret satellite identified as USA-498 into orbit. This mission was not only significant due to its military implications but also for its distinctive viewing conditions as the rocket traversed a 51-degree orbital inclination, allowing it to be visible above Central Europe.

Reports began flooding into media offices from curious onlookers in Gorzów and beyond, wondering what the phenomenon was. One resident described witnessing a strange, changing milky aura above their neighborhood on social media. Karol Wójcicki, an astronomy promoter, provided clarity on the mysterious event, stating that this was a controlled fuel dump occurring in space, far above Earth, where the absence of atmospheric pressure allowed dumped gases to form symmetrical shapes rather than dissipating chaotically. "During the planned deorbit, the second stage of the rocket often releases residual fuel. This occurs in space, hundreds of kilometers above the Earth, where there is no air, so the gases do not disperse chaotically but arrange themselves into ordered structures," Wójcicki explained.

As the Falcon 9 completed its second orbit around Earth, the second stage commenced the fuel dump as part of its preparations for re-entry into the atmosphere. This maneuver led to the formation of a visually stunning spiral, captivating many observers who marveled at the occurrence. Wójcicki noted that if the rocket rotates as the fuel is expelled, it can create a spiral or vortex effect that dazzles those looking up at the darkening sky. "If the rocket is spinning, the released fuel takes the shape of a spiral or vortex," Wójcicki clarified.

In addition to the visual spectacle, the event raised inquiries and concerns among viewers across social platforms, with questions about whether it posed any danger. Observers reached out in astonishment, with phrases like, "What is happening?!" and "Is that UFO?" circulating among those trying to make sense of the sighting. However, experts were quick to reassure the public that such fuel dumps were a normal and safe part of rocket operations and did not pose any threat to people on the ground or the environment.

While the timing of the fuel dump was unusual, occurring during the second orbit, it has been suggested that the incident showcased the technical precision involved in modern rocket launches and operations. Adam Hurcewicz from the blog "O Kosmosie i Astronautyce" remarked that this mission involved launching a satellite into a low orbit with a similar inclination to some Starlink satellites but at a higher altitude—highlighting the complex logistics behind space operations.

As the Falcon 9 transitioned from payload deployment to deorbiting phase, the first stage successfully returned to Earth, landing at Landing Zone 1, marking its second successful flight, the first being for a Starlink mission. The technical accomplishments of the Falcon 9 rocket illustrate the significant advancements in space exploration technology by SpaceX.

The sight of the fuel dump, described by onlookers as having formed a bright spiral against the darkness of the sky, continued to garner reactions long after the event took place. Participants in online discussions urged one another to share photographs or videos they may have captured of the extraordinary event, emphasizing the rarity of such occurrences.

As the effects of the spiral dissipated and continued onlookers processed what they had experienced, many took to social media to express their awe at having witnessed such a remarkable phenomenon—an emblem of how advancements in space travel have become a part of daily life, even for those far removed from the technology that makes these missions possible.

Ultimately, this celestial display served as both a window into the world of space exploration and a reminder of the marvels that technology allows us to witness in our skies. The incident also reaffirmed the interest and curiosity about space among the general public, highlighting the seamless blend between human experiences on Earth and the vast, intricate universe beyond.