"Not a UFO?" The 'Whirlwind' Crossing the US Night Sky Revealed

A blue-hued vortex was observed in the middle of the night in Alaska, USA, becoming a hot topic among residents. Some claimed it could be evidence of an unidentified flying object (UFO). However, it was revealed that this vortex was caused by exhaust gases emitted from a rocket.

According to British media 'The Guardian' and others on the 18th (local time), around 2 a.m. on the 15th, a spiral-shaped vortex appeared in the skies over Alaska. The vortex crossed the aurora-filled Alaskan sky, gradually expanding before disappearing.

The mysterious vortex was captured by a camera filming the aurora and was soon shared on social networking services (SNS). Local residents who witnessed the phenomenon expressed excitement, saying, "Unusual celestial phenomena are often observed in Alaska, but this kind of vortex is the first," "It looks like it's heading to another dimension," and "Isn't it a UFO?"

On the 15th (local time), a small blue spiral aerial phenomenon was observed among the auroras over Fairbanks, Alaska. [Image source=AP Yonhap News]

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However, the vortex was identified as rocket fuel. It was emitted from SpaceX's Falcon 9 rocket launched from a space base in California.

Earlier, the Falcon 9 rocket ascended into the sky and separated its second stage rocket, during which excess fuel was expelled from the separated fuel tank. Since the rocket continues to rotate, the expelled fuel traces a spiral trajectory.

It was confirmed that about three hours before the vortex was observed in Alaska, the Falcon 9 was launched from the Vandenberg base in California. The rocket was carrying 25 satellites.

Regarding this, Don Hampton, an astronomy expert and professor at the University of Alaska, explained, "Fuel sprayed into the high-altitude stratosphere turns into ice particles," adding, "When the frozen water vapor reflects sunlight and is viewed from the dark ground, it can appear like a large cloud or a bright vortex."

He also added, "This vortex seems to have sparked a controversial storm on the internet."

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