# SpaceX rocket launch atmospheric phenomenon in Greece > Live situation record from CLSTR: https://clstr.news/situations/spacex-rocket-launch-atmospheric-phenomenon-in-greece > Updated: 2026-08-12T07:59:00.000Z. Sources: 19. Developments: 2. A luminous, spiral-shaped cloud formation appeared in the night skies over Attica and Crete on a Tuesday evening, sparking widespread speculation regarding unidentified flying objects (UFOs). Meteorologists and aerospace experts have identified the phenomenon as a result of the SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket launch (Starlink 10-19) from Cape Canaveral. The visual effect is caused by gases and propellant residues released by the rocket's upper stage at extremely high altitudes where the atmosphere is very thin. As the stage rotates or maneuvers, these gases expand rapidly, creating large, glowing structures that can appear as spiral or circular shapes. The visibility of these lights is attributed to the ‘twilight effect’ or noctilucent clouds. While it is dark for observers on the ground, the cloud of particles at altitudes of hundreds of kilometers remains illuminated by direct sunlight because it sits above the Earth's shadow. This reflected sunlight makes the formations appear white, blue, or slightly colored against the dark sky, creating a striking, shimmering appearance. ## Timeline ### 2026-08-12: Meteorologist explains bright lights seen over Crete and Athens Meteorologist Thodoris Kolydas explained that bright lights seen over Crete and Athens were not UFOs, but a twilight effect caused by rocket propellant residues reflecting sunlight at high altitudes. 2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/meteorologist-explains-bright-lights-seen-over-crete-and-athens ### 2026-08-12: SpaceX Falcon 9 launch causes luminous cloud phenomenon over Greece A glowing, spiral cloud formation seen over Attica and Crete was identified as a result of a SpaceX Falcon 9 launch, caused by sunlight reflecting off rocket exhaust at high altitudes. 17 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/spacex-rocket-launch-explains-mysterious-cloud-sightings-in-greece --- Cite as: SpaceX rocket launch atmospheric phenomenon in Greece. CLSTR, https://clstr.news/situations/spacex-rocket-launch-atmospheric-phenomenon-in-greece