Mysterious White Streak Over US Skies: Chinese Rocket Launch Sparks Aurora Spectacle

A rare combination of events unfolded in the night sky on May 16th, captivating skywatchers across the US. A surprise geomagnetic storm painted the horizon with auroras, while a mysterious white streak sliced through the darkness, initially baffling observers.

What appeared to be a strange atmospheric phenomenon turned out to be the signature of a recent rocket launch. The moderate (G2 class) geomagnetic storm, a surprise after Earth caught the glancing blow of a coronal mass ejection (CME), provided a stunning backdrop for this celestial event.

"The aurora was rippling low on the northern horizon when suddenly a bright streak of light, reminiscent of a rocket re-entry, appeared high in the sky and flowed down to the horizon," photographer Mike Lewinski told Spaceweather.com. Lewinski, capturing the event from Crestone, Colorado, wasn't alone in witnessing this spectacle.

The culprit behind the streak, it was revealed, was a Zhuque-2E methane-fueled rocket launched by the Chinese company Landscape. The rocket, carrying six satellites into orbit from the Jiuquan Satellite Launch Center (JSLC) in China, left its mark on the American night sky. According to Spaceweather.com, the streak was likely caused by a de-orbit or circularization burn, potentially related to satellite deployment.

Astronomer Jonathan McDowell confirmed on X that the white streak resulted from the Zhuque-2 upper stage passing over the US Four Corners area. He further explained that the streak was a result of the fuel dump from the upper stage at about 155 miles (250 kilometers) altitude.

Aurora photographer Derick Wilson, capturing the event from Farmington, New Mexico, exclaimed on X, "The #aurora was visual but colorless... then the brightest sight I've ever seen in the night sky appeared overhead!"

Tyler Schlitt, from southern Kansas, also captured the plume, initially mistaking it for STEVE. Reflecting on the event, Schlitt commented, "Learning that it’s a rocket launch yet again from China is wild!"

This isn't the first time a rocket launch has caused confusion and awe. SpaceX's Falcon 9 rockets have previously created similar dazzling spirals across the sky. The visibility from multiple states – Idaho, South Dakota, Utah, and Washington – highlighted its broad reach.

The May 16th event serves as a reminder of the increasing interplay between human space activity and natural celestial phenomena. While the auroras provided a breathtaking spectacle, the rocket launch offered a glimpse into the growing frequency of such events, leaving many wondering: How often will we see these cosmic coincidences in the future?

What are your thoughts on the increasing visibility of rocket launches in our night skies? Share your observations and opinions in the comments below!

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• Rocket Launch
• SpaceX