A recent rocket launch by Europe’s Ariane 6 has sparked excitement among sky-gazers, with a stunning spiral pattern visible for several minutes in the night sky. Initially, speculation centered on a Cape Canaveral launch, but experts have confirmed that it was actually a separate rocket launch in French Guiana, South America.
The 8,900-pound Metop-SGA1 weather satellite, designed to improve global weather forecasting and atmospheric monitoring, was launched from French Guiana at 8:30 p.m. EDT on August 12. As part of its de-orbit sequence, the upper stage booster vented leftover fuel into the atmosphere, creating a spiral pattern.
According to Dr. Jay White, Director of Science at Talcott Mountain Science Center, this phenomenon is known as a “twilight phenomenon” or “space jellyfish.” The unique combination of timing, altitude, and lighting created a breathtaking display that captivated onlookers in Connecticut before dissipating.
With more frequent rocket launches expected in the future, experts say we may witness another surprise show in the years ahead. This event highlights the awe-inspiring beauty of space exploration and the importance of continued research into atmospheric phenomena.
Source: https://www.whsv.com/2025/08/14/mystery-object-sky-not-just-rocket-launch