Strange light seen in Philly sky Tuesday night was likely caused by rocket launch

Some people observing the night sky in Philadelphia on Tuesday spotted an unusual display of light glowing in the shape of a boomerang. The same pattern was observed in the night sky along much of the East Coast, prompting speculation about its source.

Photos and videos were shared on social media from Philadelphia to New Jersey to Vermont.

The most likely explanation for the light is that it was caused by one of two rockets that were launched on Tuesday night. The European Space Agency launched the Ariane 6 rocket — a weather and climate observation satellite — from French Guiana around 8:37 p.m. Eastern Standard Time. And in Florida, at Cape Canaveral Space Force Station, United Launch Alliance sent its Vulcan rocket into space carrying experimental U.S. military satellites around