A bright streak appeared in the night sky over several US states, lasting around 10 minutes before fading. According to experts, the light came from a Chinese rocket called Zhuque-2E that launched into low-Earth orbit on May 17.
The rocket, made by LandSpace, used a unique fuel combination of liquid oxygen and methalox – a cleaner-burning alternative to traditional hydrogen or kerosene-based fuels. As the rocket reentered Earth’s atmosphere, it dumped fuel at an altitude of around 155 miles, which froze into tiny crystals in space.
These crystals reflected sunlight back to Earth, creating a visible streak in the night sky that was seen across several US states, including Colorado, Utah, Idaho, Missouri, Nebraska, Washington, and New Mexico. The event was captured on photos and social media platforms, sparking interest among scientists and the general public alike.
Source: https://economictimes.indiatimes.com/news/international/us/what-is-the-unusual-light-seen-over-us-skies-heres-all-the-details/articleshow/121324438.cms?from=mdr