SpaceX launch which created glowing spiral in UK skies - including over Denver near Downham Market - described as ‘most unusual sight’ in night sky

A large glowing spiral which lit up the skies over West Norfolk has been described as the most “unusual and unnatural sight” an astrophotographer had ever seen in the night sky.

Understood to have been caused by a SpaceX rocket launched more than 4,000 miles away, the growing swirl was visible for several minutes across British skies and was initially confused with aviation and even extraterrestrial activity by some.

It has now been attributed to a launch at Cape Canaveral Space Force Station in Florida.

Billionaire Elon Musk’s company SpaceX held a launch for the US government shortly before 1.50pm local time (5.50pm GMT) and it is understood the Falcon 9 rocket’s frozen exhaust plume caused the display.

In Denver, near Downham, part-time astrophotographer Michael James Wilson said he spotted the unusual sight at around 8pm.

“At first I thought it was another military jet flying over, but there was no engine noise, then it began to take on a bizarre shape and a cloud started spreading out from it,” he told the Lynn News.

“Then an even more bizarre light blue coloured spiral cloud began to form and expanded in size as it passed over me.

“I thought for a second it was some sort of UFO, but soon learnt that it was due to a SpaceX rocket launch.

“It was the most unusual and unnatural sight I’ve ever seen in the night sky.’

The Met Office said on social media site X: “The rocket’s frozen exhaust plume appears to be spinning in the atmosphere and reflecting the sunlight, causing it to appear as a spiral in the sky.”

The twisting celestial display was visible across much of Europe, with hundreds taking to social media to share footage and imagery.