Rhode Island, USA – A video filmed by a social media user captured a massive object streaking across the night sky, sparking reports from Rhode Island, northern Virginia, Long Island, and beyond.

The poster wrote: “Just came back from gym and saw this shit in the sky, thing was huge. Looked exactly like it does on video. Doesn’t look like it, but this thing was MOVING. Somebody tell me what this thing is UFO.”

While observers initially thought it was extraterrestrial, the object was identified as the upper stage of the European Space Agency’s Ariane 6 rocket.

The Ariane 6 had launched from French Guiana at 4:03 PM EST. Its upper stage was performing a deliberate spin maneuver to dump excess fuel, creating the striking spiral of light visible across much of the eastern U.S. and parts of Canada.

The unusual glow, combined with its timing and trajectory, fooled skywatchers into believing they were seeing a UFO. Experts clarified that this is a normal part of the rocket’s mission and not a spacecraft of unknown origin.

The event highlights how space missions can produce dazzling visual effects, captivating observers and causing viral social media discussions.

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