A mysterious bright streak seen in the sky by aurora watchers on May 16, 2025, turned out to be a fuel dump from a Chinese rocket that had just launched.
The streak was identified as coming from LandSpace's Zhuque-2E rocket, which deployed six satellites after launching from Jiuquan, China.
Jonathan McDowell, a retired astrophysicist, confirmed that the unusual luminous cloud in the sky was caused by the upper stage of the rocket passing over the US Four Corners area.
Aurora photographer Kathie O'Donnell captured the streak while photographing the aurora in South Dakota, adding to the sightings of the Chinese rocket fuel dump.