Enormous spiral pattern leaves spectators in awe during Northern Lights observation

A mysterious and colossal spiral pattern appeared in the sky, puzzling observers who were hoping to witness the Northern Lights spectacle. The mesmerizing phenomenon unfolded on April 14th of the previous year, captivating the attention of individuals in Alaska, USA, who were eagerly awaiting a glimpse of the aurora borealis.

Photos capturing the extraordinary spiral flooded social media platforms, sparking a wave of speculation and wonderment. Elizabeth Withnall, an avid aurora-watcher, shared images of the baffling occurrence on Facebook, describing it as “the craziest thing in the sky” she had ever witnessed.

Speculation ran rampant online, with various theories emerging to explain the enigmatic spiral. Some speculated about extraterrestrial origins, while others attributed it to the Northern Lights phenomenon. However, the truth behind the spectacle turned out to be far more down-to-earth.

Space physicist Don Hampton, from the University of Alaska Fairbanks Geophysical Institute, shed light on the phenomenon. According to Hampton, the spiral was actually a result of rocket exhaust from a SpaceX Transporter-7 mission, which had launched from California’s Vandenberg Space Force hours earlier. Water vapour in the exhaust froze and caught high-altitude sunlight, creating the striking spiral effect visible over Alaska.

Alaska-based photographer Todd Salat, renowned for capturing the Northern Lights, also documented the spectacle. His time-lapse video captured the spiral expanding and moving over Donnelly Dome near Delta Junction, providing further insight into the phenomenon’s nature.

In essence, the mysterious spiral that left many in awe was simply a byproduct of a SpaceX rocket launch, underscoring the intricate interplay between science and natural phenomena.