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SpaceX rocket launch atmospheric phenomenon in Greece

Updated 3 times since CLSTR started tracking revisions of this situation.

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2026-08-13 12:23 UTC → 2026-08-14 02:52 UTC · added removed

A glowing luminous, spiral-shaped cloud formation appeared in the night skies over Attica and Crete, leading to Crete on a Tuesday evening, sparking widespread speculation regarding UFO sightings. Experts unidentified flying objects (UFOs). Meteorologists and meteorologists aerospace experts have identified the phenomenon as a result of aerospace activity, specifically the SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket launch (Starlink 10-19) from Cape Canaveral. The visual effect was is caused by gases and propellant residues released by the rocket's upper stage releasing gases and propellant residue into at extremely high altitudes where the thin atmosphere of the mesosphere. These materials expand rapidly, often forming spiral or circular shapes depending on the rotation of the stage. Meteorologist Theodoros Kolydas and information from NASA clarify that if is very thin. As the rocket stage rotates or maneuvers, the exhaust these gases expand rapidly, creating large, glowing structures that can create a distinct ‘jellyfish-like shape’. appear as spiral or circular shapes. The brightness visibility of the display these lights is attributed to the ‘twilight effect’. effect’ or noctilucent clouds. While it was is dark for observers on the ground, the cloud of particles at altitudes exceeding 80 of hundreds of kilometers remained remains illuminated by direct sunlight from because it sits above the Earth's shadow. NASA describes such occurrences as noctilucent clouds, which can create luminous displays visible from hundreds of kilometers away. These clouds form when water vapor and fuel particles freeze at high altitudes, reflecting This reflected sunlight to create makes the formations appear white, blue, or slightly colored against the dark sky, creating a bright, ethereal striking, shimmering appearance.

Versions

  1. 2026-08-14 02:52 UTC SpaceX rocket launch atmospheric phenomenon in Greece
  2. 2026-08-13 12:23 UTC SpaceX rocket launch atmospheric phenomenon in Greece
  3. 2026-08-13 09:13 UTC SpaceX rocket launch atmospheric phenomenon in Greece
  4. 2026-08-13 01:58 UTC SpaceX rocket launch atmospheric phenomenon in Greece

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