Cambridgeshire residents were left stunned on Monday night (25 March) after witnessing an unusual glowing spiral illuminating the night sky.
The swirling light, which appeared briefly before vanishing, was observed in multiple areas including St Ives, Comberton, and Wisbech St Mary. Similar sightings were reported across other parts of the UK and even in parts of Europe.
Brief but Spectacular Display
- The spiral phenomenon lasted only a few minutes.
- Witnesses described it as a glowing, slowly rotating pattern high in the atmosphere.
- Social media lit up with speculation and theories ranging from atmospheric anomalies to UFOs.
However, meteorological experts have since attributed the sight to a known aerospace occurrence.
Met Office: SpaceX Launch to Blame
According to the Met Office, the spiral was likely caused by a frozen plume of fuel released from the exhaust of a SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket. The launch took place earlier that day in Florida, USA, at approximately 1.50pm local time (5.50pm GMT).
The plume, ejected high into the atmosphere during the rocket’s ascent, is believed to have reflected sunlight, creating the bright spiral effect visible from the ground. The optical illusion of rotation added to its dramatic appearance.
We’ve received many reports of an illuminated swirl in the sky this evening
This is likely to be caused by the SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket, launched earlier today. The rocket’s frozen exhaust plume appears to be spinning in the atmosphere and reflecting the sunlight, causing it to… pic.twitter.com/4a9urgZceR
— Met Office (@metoffice) March 24, 2025
A Classified Mission
The Falcon 9 rocket was carrying out a classified mission on behalf of the US government, adding an air of mystery to the already enigmatic display seen from UK skies.
While these types of events are rare, they are not unprecedented. High-altitude rocket launches during twilight hours can occasionally produce such striking visuals, especially when atmospheric conditions align perfectly.
What is the “SpaceX rocket launch spiral”?
The “SpaceX rocket launch spiral” refers to a visible spiral-shaped light pattern seen in the sky, caused by the exhaust plume from a SpaceX rocket, typically after launch.
Here’s a breakdown of what it is and why it happens:
What Causes the Spiral?
- When a SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket (or similar spacecraft) is launched, it burns fuel and releases vapour and gases into the upper atmosphere.
- In some cases, particularly during twilight or night launches, the sunlight still reaches these high-altitude vapours, even if it’s dark on the ground.
- This can create illuminated spirals or swirls in the sky that look surreal or otherworldly.
- The spiral effect often occurs when extra fuel is vented or the rocket is undergoing a manoeuvre like a spin or separation.
Why Does It Look Like a Spiral?
- The rocket might be spinning or rotating slightly as it climbs, causing the fuel plume to spread out in a spiral shape.
- The effect is enhanced by the thin atmosphere and lack of wind at high altitudes, letting the spiral pattern remain intact for several minutes.
- It reflects sunlight, making it glow dramatically against the darker sky below.
Conclusion
The spiral seen over Cambridgeshire and elsewhere in Europe on 25 March 2025 was due to a SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket launched from Florida for a classified US government mission. The rocket’s exhaust plume, caught in sunlight, created a stunning visual spiral.
So, in simple terms: it’s not a UFO, but a beautiful by-product of a high-altitude space launch.
