The rocket launched from Florida’s Cape Canaveral Space Force Station during the afternoon hours, but it was already dark across Europe when it lifted off. As it zoomed across the sky to reach space, it produced a mesmerizing blue spiral that left many Europeans scratching their heads.

Experts said the phenomenon was created by a SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket launched from Cape Canaveral in Florida at 5.48pm UK time. The frozen exhaust was illuminated by the Sun as they spun across the sky, creating the glowing blue spiral.