The Celestial Spectacle

On Monday evening, March 24, 2025, residents across Hungary were treated to an unusual sight: a large, swirling spiral of light stretching across the night sky. Reports flooded in, describing a mesmerizing display that left many puzzled and intrigued.

One eyewitness described the phenomenon as, “The spiral wrapped and slowly changed around a middle bright point, which moved nicely and slowly to the south. It was visible for about 4-5 minutes under which the spiral was constantly moving and changing.” This personal account paints a vivid picture of the dynamic and ethereal display.

Another observer noted,”I saw this celestial phenomenon between 9am and 9:10 pm today.” While the time may be a typo (likely intended to be PM), it highlights the broad window during which the spiral was visible.

Initial Speculation and Possible Explanations

Initially, the strange lights prompted a range of theories.Some speculated about rocket or satellite launches,while others wondered if it was related to ongoing atmospheric research. NASA had announced a satellite mission to study electrical currents related to the aurora borealis.

According to NASA,the mission will study the strong electrical currents flowing when the glow of the polar light will be studied.

The SpaceX Connection

As quickly as the spiral appeared, explanations began to surface pointing towards SpaceX. “According to your website,” a SpaceX rocket launched to mark the 19th anniversary of the company’s first launch.

Several reports, including one from idokep.hu, suggested that the nine Falcon 9 rockets were responsible.

“According to the time of time,” the website further noted, that the phenomenon may have been caused by the group of rockets.

Expert Analysis and Confirmation

To gain a more definitive understanding, experts were consulted. astronomer László Kiss, Director General of the Hun-ren Astronomical and Earth Science Research Center, while not personally witnessing the event, provided valuable insight.

Kiss relayed official details from O. Norton, explaining that “after the US National Reconnaissance office Nrol-69 mission, the second grade of Falcon 9 rockets was unused. We were close to sunset, the sun and the outflow of hundreds of kilometers high was fried by the sun, causing a spectacular phenomenon. ” This explanation suggests that the venting of unused fuel from the upper stage of the Falcon 9 rocket, illuminated by the setting sun, created the spiral effect.

The Science Behind the Spectacle

The phenomenon of rocket exhaust creating visible spirals is not entirely new, but it remains a relatively rare and captivating sight. When a rocket vents fuel in the upper atmosphere, the vapor expands and freezes into ice crystals. These crystals then reflect sunlight, creating a visible cloud.The spiral shape is often a result of the rocket’s rotation as it vents the fuel.

For U.S. readers, a similar event occurred in Southern California in December 2017 when a SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket launched from Vandenberg Air Force Base created a dramatic, swirling plume that was widely photographed and shared on social media.This event, like the recent occurrence in Hungary, sparked initial confusion before being attributed to the rocket launch.

“after the US National Reconnaissance Office Nrol-69 mission, the second grade of Falcon 9 rockets was unused. We were close to sunset, the sun and the outflow of hundreds of kilometers high was fried by the sun, causing a spectacular phenomenon. ”

O. Norton

The National Reconnaissance Office

The U.S. National Reconnaissance Office (NRO) is an intelligence agency responsible for designing, building, launching, and maintaining the United States’ reconnaissance satellites. These satellites provide crucial intelligence data to policymakers,the intelligence community,and the department of Defense.

The Falcon 9 rocket used in the NROL-69 mission is designed to deliver these payloads to specific orbits. After the primary mission is complete, the upper stage of the rocket might potentially be used to perform additional maneuvers or, as in this case, vented to deorbit, leading to spectacular visual effects under the right conditions.

The Lingering Questions and Future Observations

While the SpaceX explanation provides a plausible cause for the spiral phenomenon, some questions may remain. The exact altitude and trajectory of the rocket’s upper stage,and also the specific atmospheric conditions at the time,would further refine our understanding of the event.

Amateur astronomers and citizen scientists can play a crucial role in documenting future events like this. By recording observations, taking photographs, and sharing data, they can contribute to a more thorough understanding of these celestial phenomena.

Implications for Space Exploration and Public Awareness

Events like the Hungarian spiral highlight the growing visibility of space activities in our everyday lives. As space exploration becomes more frequent and accessible, the public is increasingly likely to witness unusual phenomena related to rocket launches, satellite deployments, and other space-related activities.

This increased visibility also underscores the importance of public education and outreach. By providing clear and accurate information about space activities, organizations like NASA and SpaceX can definitely help to demystify these events and foster greater public understanding and support for space exploration.