spiral

Spectacular SpaceX Launch Creates Mesmerizing Sky Display Over Hungary

Latest / 24 March 2025 /

Shortly after 9 PM this evening, the SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket passed over Hungary, leaving a mesmerizing spiral pattern in its wake. Hungarian social media was instantly flooded by hundreds if not thousands of photos and videos of the phenomenon. There have been reports from Budapest, Esztergom, Biatorbágy, Mosonmagyaróvár and all over the country. According to one eyewitness the spiral twisted around a bright central point, which was steadily moving southward. It remained visible for about four to five minutes, during which the spiral continuously evolved and shifted.

At first glance, the phenomenon resembled a UFO, or the spirals of a galaxy but it was most likely caused by a rocket or satellite launch. According to a NASA post from Monday evening, a trio of satellites was launched to study the powerful electric currents that flow during the glow of the aurora borealis.

  

Video compilation of the event as collected by idokep.hu

SpaceX's official website also confirmed a rocket launch today, marking the 19th anniversary of the company’s first-ever launch. Their rocket launch can be viewed online through their official channels. The spiral phenomenon itself was caused by leftover fuel released by the rocket in space. The Falcon 9 is a reusable rocket developed by Elon Musk’s space company, that lifted off at around 13:50 local time from Space Launch Complex 40 at Cape Canaveral Space Force Station on a classified mission for the US government. After propelling its payload into space, the rocket begins its return journey to Earth. During this process, it ejects any remaining fuel, which instantly freezes at high altitude, forming a distinctive spiral pattern due to the rocket’s movement. The frozen fuel then reflects sunlight, creating a visible spectacle in the sky.

While specific details of the mission remain undisclosed, the launch marked the fifth NRO mission of 2025, with more planned throughout the year.

Similar spirals have been reported in New Zealand in 2022.

 

 

English