A luminous streak, visible across seven US states for 10 minutes, was caused by a Chinese Zhuque-2E rocket's fuel dump at high altitude. The rocket, using a novel methalox fuel, released six satellites before re-entry. The frozen fuel crystals reflected sunlight, creating the spectacular display. Initially mistaken for an aurora or STEVE, the phenomenon is similar to SpaceX's 'fuel dump spirals', but this created a straight streak of light.

Prepared by Olivia Bennett and reviewed by editorial team.