Mysterious Spirals Illuminate Skies Across Europe

On the evening of March 24, 2025, residents across Europe were captivated by a stunning celestial display: strange glowing spirals appeared in the night sky, sparking widespread discussion and intrigue. Photos of the phenomenon, captured in countries including The United Kingdom, Poland, Russia, Germany, Ukraine , quickly circulated on social media, showcasing bright swirling patterns left in the atmosphere by an unidentified object.

Initially, the mysterious spirals prompted a flurry of theories—ranging from natural anomalies to extraterrestrial activity. However, experts and media sources soon provided a more grounded explanation: the spirals were likely a result of the Falcon 9 rocket launch that occurred the previous day, which successfully deployed the American spy satellite NROL-69 into orbit.

The launch took place from Cape Canaveral Space Force Station in Florida at 1:48 PM local time (5:48 PM GMT). After the first stage of the SpaceX rocket separated and returned to Earth, the second stage continued its ascent, releasing residual fuel in the upper atmosphere. Experts suggest that this fuel release created the visible spiral traces, which were enhanced by the reflection of sunlight during twilight conditions.

Astronomers noted that such atmospheric phenomena are not uncommon during rocket launches, although their visibility can vary based on weather conditions and the time of day. Eyewitnesses in cities like Moscow and St. Petersburg observed the spirals with the naked eye, while residents in Poland and Germany initially speculated about an unusual atmospheric event. In the UK, amateur photographers captured the spirals against the backdrop of the night sky, further fueling public interest in the occurrence.

According to Spaceflight Now, the NROL-69 mission was conducted under a contract between SpaceX, the National Reconnaissance Office (NRO), and the U.S. Space Force. This marked the fifth NRO mission of 2025, part of a series of approximately a dozen planned launches. The total cost of the NROL-69 mission, in conjunction with another operation (USSF-36), is estimated at $159.7 million under a 2021 contract. Details about the satellite remain classified, including its orbital parameters.

SpaceX confirmed the successful landing of the Falcon 9’s first stage, a routine procedure that the company employs to reduce launch costs through rocket reuse. Notably, the launch coincided with the 19th anniversary of SpaceX’s inaugural launch in 2006, adding a symbolic layer to the event. The 45th Weather Squadron reported that conditions were 90% favorable, ensuring clear visibility of both the launch and the resulting atmospheric effects.

Experts explain that the spirals are formed by the rotation of the rocket’s second stage during fuel release, with their glow intensifying at dusk when sunlight illuminates particles at altitudes exceeding 100 kilometers. A similar phenomenon was observed in October 2024 following the NROL-167 launch from Vandenberg Air Force Base in California, lending further credibility to the explanation of fuel traces.