Croatian citizens report strange spirals in the sky

Numerous citizens in Croatia, especially in Zagreb, are reporting an unusual phenomenon in the sky.

It's about the so-called Space X spirals, which is called an unusual phenomenon in the sky, which looks like a luminous spiral shape, and is created as a result of rocket launches by the company SpaceX, most often Falcon 9.

Falcon 9 was launched a few hours ago from Florida. This phenomenon is not related to aliens or supernatural events, but has a scientific explanation related to the physics of rocket propulsion and the atmosphere, reports the Telegraph.

When the Falcon 9 rocket releases excess fuel into the upper atmosphere after the mission ends (usually during second-stage deorbit), that fuel freezes into tiny ice crystals due to the low temperatures at that altitude.

If at that moment it is illuminated by the Sun, and observers on Earth are in darkness, these crystals reflect the light and create a visible cloud that often takes on a spiral shape due to the rotation of the rocket during fuel discharge.

This effect can be especially striking if it occurs during an aurora display, as the spiral stands out against the backdrop of colorful bands of light.

The phenomenon is rare, but it's becoming more common as SpaceX ramps up its launches. It's been seen in places as diverse as Alaska, Hawaii, New Zealand, and Europe, depending on the trajectory of the rocket.

Liftoff! pic.twitter.com/0ZBLGWvT9p

- SpaceX (@SpaceX) March 24, 2025

For example, known cases include the spiral over Alaska in April 2023, after launch from California, or the one over Norway in March 2024 after the Transporter-10 mission. /Telegraph/