SpaceX Blue Spiral

Todd Salat's Discovery

Photographer Todd Salat captures a rare blue spiral caused by SpaceX rocket exhaust, sparking concerns about preserving the night sky's beauty.

Todd Salat captured a rare meteorological event in Alaska: a blue spiral moving across the sky alongside the northern lights on April 15, 2023.

The blue spiral was created by rocket exhaust from a SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket, launched for their Transporter-7 mission.

The spiral's glow resulted from water vapor in the rocket's second stage engine freezing and catching high-altitude sunlight.

A similar glowing spiral was observed over Hawaii's Mauna Kea on January 18, 2023, caused by frozen rocket fuel from a SpaceX launch.

Commercial space travel's increase raises concerns about night sky pollution, affecting astronomical observations and natural beauty.

The debate over satellite launches includes potential environmental consequences like space debris and light pollution.

SpaceX's Falcon 9 rocket launch is an example of progress in space technology, leading to more impressive night sky displays.

Preserving the night sky's beauty requires regulating satellite constellations, responsible lighting practices, and education.

Satellite networks can disrupt astronomical observations and the sky's natural beauty due to their brightness and movement.

Photographers like Todd Salat help capture and interpret unique natural and artificial phenomena, reminding us of the world's magic.

With Northern Lights Mysterious Galaxy-Like Figure Spotted In The Sky and exciting Discoveries of Space.

Get More Info About