r/atoptics 12d ago

Other Spiral from rocket engine gases (N. Germany)

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u/Psy185 12d ago

Didn't see it myself unfortunately.

Translated from "Ostseewelle Hit Radio" on Facebook:

A huge glowing spiral of light was visible over northern Germany on Monday evening around 9 p.m. Apparently, gases were escaping from a separated rocket engine 🚀. These gases can freeze in the upper atmosphere and then reflect sunlight. When the rocket stage wobbles, the glowing spiral 🌀 is created. A similar phenomenon occurred over Alaska in 2023, for example. Back then, it was the remains of a Falcon 9 rocket from Elon Musk's American space company Space X.

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u/ur_sine_nomine 11d ago

Also seen in parts of England. Not visible from London (low cloud and drizzle) but friends in Newcastle on Tyne (300 miles North) saw it.