Residents across parts of Poland were treated to a breathtaking spectacle on the evening of March 24, 2025, when a luminous vortex appeared to light up the night sky. This striking phenomenon captured the imagination of many, with onlookers initially speculating about its origins. However, the truth behind the swirling light was far more mundane yet fascinating: it was caused by the planned deorbitation of the second stage of a SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket.
The Falcon 9 launch had taken place earlier that day at 18:48 Polish time from Cape Canaveral Space Force Station in Florida. The mission, designated NROL-69, was commissioned by the National Reconnaissance Office of the United States to place the USA-498 satellite into orbit. Following the successful deployment of the satellite, the rocket’s first stage made a successful return, landing at Landing Zone 1 at Cape Canaveral.
As the second stage of the Falcon 9 began its journey back to Earth, it executed a controlled fuel dump at an altitude of several hundred kilometers. This release occurred as part of routine procedures just before the spacecraft re-entered the atmosphere. The phenomenon was most visible during this time, as the expelled gases reflected sunlight—still below the horizon—from the planet, creating an astonishing visual display for observers below.
Professional astronomer and science communicator Karol Wójcicki, who contributed insights on the phenomenon, pointed out that conditions in space played a critical role in this spectacle. “During fuel discharge, the gases form symmetrical structures rather than dispersing chaotically,” Wójcicki explained. “If the rocket is spinning, which is common practice to stabilize flight, the fuel streams can resemble spirals or swirls—a sight that can look reminiscent of a miniature galaxy against the evening sky.”
Images documenting this remarkable event flooded social media, with numerous photographs from across Poland highlighting the cosmic whirl. Daniel Puchalski, a resident of Drawsko Pomorskie, was among those who managed to capture the moment, taking photos from 20:56 to 21:08 that showcased the swirling light against the backdrop of his hometown.
The visibility of such phenomena is unusual but has been recorded during various orbital actions of rockets worldwide. The trajectories of these stages depend on inclination and alignments to be observable from Earth, and in this instance, the second stage of the Falcon 9’s 51-degree trajectory allowed it to be seen over a large portion of Poland, including the Kolski district.
Despite initial fears stirring among the public who witnessed the phenomenon, experts worked swiftly to clarify what was occurring. Wójcicki noted that this fuel dump happened safely, without any threat to those observing it from below. He also emphasized the importance of the timing and positioning for such incidents, saying, “It’s peculiar that an event like this occurred over Poland, as I didn’t anticipate it would descend at such a point during its mission.”
The spiral that formed as a result of the controlled fuel dump sparked a flurry of discussions online, with citizens expressing both awe and curiosity about the event. It provided not just a stunning visual experience but also served as an educational opportunity regarding the dynamics of space missions and rocket returns. Wójcicki further elaborated, “This is precisely what a controlled deorbit should look like—with prior fuel dumps and safe atmospheric entry over secure areas, such as bodies of water.”
Historically, however, not all rocket returns have been so benign. In February of the same year, remnants from another Falcon 9 second stage unexpectedly re-entered the atmosphere, causing concern as debris fell near populated areas in Poland. Wójcicki reminisced about that incident, contrasting it with the clarity and predictability of the latest operation: “We were fortunate this time—this is how such operations should ideally be executed. Everything went according to plan.”
This extraordinary event has not only captivated onlookers but has rekindled interest in the phenomena associated with space travel. The swirling cloud of light is a stark reminder of the wonders of modern rocket technology, alongside the meticulous planning and execution that goes into safely managing launches and returns. As space continues to become an accessible frontier for exploration, such moments invite an increase in public engagement and enthusiasm for the scientific explanations behind them.
