A spectacular and unexplained spiral of light sent shockwaves through social media on Friday night as stunned observers across Ireland and parts of the United Kingdom reported seeing a mysterious celestial display.
The unusual phenomenon, described by witnesses as a "swirling vortex" or "spiral galaxy" of bright light, appeared in the night sky around 10pm, prompting hundreds of reports and widespread speculation about its origins.
Social Media Erupts with Sightings
From Dublin to Belfast and across northern counties, skywatchers took to platforms like X (formerly Twitter) sharing videos and images of the breathtaking spectacle. Aviation enthusiasts and casual observers alike were left scratching their heads at the otherworldly display.
One Dublin-based pilot reported seeing the phenomenon while flying, describing it as "the weirdest thing I've ever seen in the sky." Meanwhile, residents in areas with clear viewing conditions captured stunning footage of the slowly rotating light formation.
The SpaceX Connection Revealed
After initial speculation ranged from meteor showers to potential UFO activity, space experts quickly identified the culprit: SpaceX's Falcon 9 rocket launch from California earlier that evening.
Professor David Moore, editor of Astronomy Ireland magazine, explained the science behind the spectacle: "What people witnessed was excess fuel being vented from a SpaceX rocket that had just launched. When this happens in the upper atmosphere, it creates this spectacular spiral effect as the fuel freezes and catches the sunlight."
Not the First Space-Related Light Show
This isn't the first time SpaceX operations have created unexpected light displays over the UK and Ireland. Similar phenomena have been reported in recent years as commercial space activity increases.
Professor Moore noted that while such sightings were once rare, they're becoming more frequent with the expansion of private space companies. "We're entering an era where what happens in space is increasingly visible from our back gardens," he added.
The event served as a reminder of how space technology continues to capture public imagination while becoming an increasingly common feature of modern life.
