A Mysterious Streak In The Night Sky Gets Identified

We're launching so many things into space lately. How do you keep track of it all? It's led to some spectacular visuals in the night sky. Starlink satellites are often misidentified as UFOs; rocket launches by SpaceX can be seen from hundreds of miles away.

Last year, I was in Southern California when I noticed a plume streaking across the desert sky. It was a SpaceX launch from Vandeburg Air Force Base. It was really cool to see, and you could even see the boosters reignite as they returned to land.

Strange White Plume Spotted Across the United States

Last night a lot of people across Central North America witnessed a strange sight. It was a long streak that covered the night sky. It appeared to have an object at the end of the plume. Some people thought it was a meteor. Others suggested it was light pillars. But the real answer is less exotic, but still cool.

Read More: Space Debris Lights Up Northland Sky

The Chinese Rocket ZhuQue-2E launched yesterday in China. The Chinese rocket uses an experimental type of fuel: methane and liquid oxygen. This creates a different white streak across the night sky, and it was reported from as far as Arkansas all the way to Canada.

Shawn Malone with Lake Superior Photo in Marquette, Michigan, captured the rocket in a video as it went over.

The experimental fuel is needed for deep space missions, like a trip to Mars. The fuel can be produced on site, meaning refueling will be possible for a return trip.

Keep your eyes on the skies. There's a lot going on above us! We'll be seeing more space debris, rocket launches, and things in the night sky.