Archive · 20 May 2025
Rocket Exhaust Creates White Streak during Aurora Borealis
On May 17, 2025, people saw beautiful green and purple lights in the sky called auroras.
During this, a bright white streak appeared.
People were unsure of what it was, with many speculating.
The white streak turned out to be rocket exhaust from a rocket launched from China.
The rocket fuel dump was seen at the same time as the aurora.
Spectacular auroras were seen across the American Southwest on May 17, 2025.
A bright white streak was observed alongside the aurora, causing intrigue and speculation.
The white streak was initially mistaken for an atmospheric phenomenon.
Astronomer Jonathan McDowell identified the streak as a fuel dump.
The fuel dump originated from the Zhuque-2E rocket's upper stage.
- Who
- Sky observers, Astronomer Jonathan McDowell, and the Chinese space program.
- What
- A bright white streak observed during an aurora display.
- When
- May 17, 2025, around 11:30 p.m.
- Where
- Sky over the American Southwest, particularly Colorado.
- Why
- A fuel dump from the upper stage of the Zhuque-2E rocket.
Public
Astronomer/Scientist
Cause of the White Streak
Public
Speculation, including potential UFOs or new atmospheric phenomena.
Astronomer/Scientist
Fuel dump from the Chinese Zhuque-2E rocket's upper stage.
- Date of Event
- May 17, 2025
- Rocket Launch Site
- Jiuquan Satellite launch facility, China
- Rocket Name
- Zhuque-2E rocket
- Rocket Altitude
- 155 miles (250 km)
- White Streak Cause
- Fuel dump from the rocket's upper stage
