In Photos: Weird ‘Blue Spiral’ In The Sky That Just Went Viral

Forbes - Mar 25th, 2025

On March 24, 2025, skywatchers across western Europe were captivated by a mysterious blue spiral in the night sky, prompting a flurry of social media posts speculating about extraterrestrial origins. This unusual sight was later identified as the exhaust plume from a SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket launch, which had occurred two hours earlier from Cape Canaveral, Florida. The mission carried surveillance satellites for the U.S. National Reconnaissance Office, and the spiral was a result of the rocket's second stage releasing fuel while spinning in the upper atmosphere, reflecting sunlight and creating the striking visual phenomenon.

This isn't the first instance of such a spectacle following a SpaceX launch, with similar spirals previously observed over regions like the Barents Sea, New Zealand, and Hawaii. The incident underscores the intriguing visual effects that rocket launches can produce, often leading to widespread public interest and speculation. The event highlights the growing visibility and impact of commercial space activities, as companies like SpaceX continue to play a pivotal role in satellite deployment and space exploration, influencing both scientific communities and public perception.

Elon Musk Space X Europe Cape Canaveral Falcon 9 Rocket Launch National Reconnaissance Office Blue Spiral

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RATING

6.8

Fair Story

Consider it well-founded

The article provides a clear and timely account of a blue spiral sighting over Europe, attributed to a SpaceX rocket launch. It effectively dispels initial speculations about extraterrestrial involvement and offers a scientific explanation for the phenomenon. While the story is accurate and engaging, it could benefit from greater source diversity and transparency, particularly regarding the specifics of the rocket's payload. The article maintains clarity and readability, making it accessible to a wide audience, but lacks depth in expert perspectives and interactive elements that could enhance engagement. Overall, it serves as a reliable account of an intriguing event, with room for improvement in source quality and transparency.

Accuracy

The article accurately reports the sighting of a blue spiral in the sky over western Europe, attributing it to a SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket launch. The timing of the event and the launch details are consistent with known data, as the launch occurred at 1:48 p.m. EDT, and the spiral was observed around 8:00 p.m. GMT. The article correctly identifies the phenomenon as a plume of frozen fuel, a common occurrence with such launches. However, the claim about the payload being for the US National Reconnaissance Office (NRO) requires verification, as details about such missions are often classified.

Balance

The article presents a balanced view by addressing both the initial public speculation about the spiral being extraterrestrial and the scientific explanation for the phenomenon. However, it could have included more perspectives, such as comments from astronomers or aerospace experts, to provide a fuller understanding of the event. The focus is primarily on debunking the alien theory, which is appropriate but could be expanded with additional expert insights.

Clarity

The article is clearly written, with a logical flow that guides the reader from the initial sighting to its explanation. The language is straightforward, making it accessible to a general audience. The use of specific times and locations helps ground the story in reality, and the description of the phenomenon is vivid and easy to understand. However, some technical aspects, such as the mechanics of rocket plumes, could be explained more simply.

Source quality

The article references The Guardian and SpaceWeather.com, both reputable sources. However, it lacks direct quotes or statements from primary sources such as SpaceX or the U.K.'s Met Office. Including statements from these organizations would enhance the credibility and depth of the reporting. The reliance on secondary sources without direct attribution limits the source quality slightly.

Transparency

The article provides basic context about the event and its cause but lacks detailed methodology or background information on how the conclusions were reached. There is no disclosure of potential conflicts of interest, and the article does not explain the basis for some claims, such as the involvement of the NRO. Greater transparency regarding the sources of information and any uncertainties would improve this aspect.