What the flying spiral spotted over Hawaii actually means

We need to talk about space tourism's growing environmental impact.
By Teodosia Dobriyanova  on 
Picture of the swirling spiral in the night sky passing over the Subaru Telescope. Caption reads: "Swirling problem"
Watch Next

Thinking about space for too long can be scary and overwhelming. Are we alone? Will we ever be able to live on another planet? Will black holes destroy the universe one day? What should you do if you ever encounter an alien? Don’t worry, our curious science producer will do all the excessive thinking for you, and teach you a thing or two in the process. With the help of experts, our producer will deep dive into all the interesting things that happen, have happened, and will happen in space.


In late January 2023, the Subaru Telescope released footage of a bizarre flying whirlpool passing over the sky above Mauna Kea, Hawaii. Though the public was puzzled, scientists soon concluded that the spectacle we witnessed was actually leftover fuel from a SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket which had launched a satellite earlier that day.

But that's not the end of the story. The oddly symmetrical whirlpool may not be a sign of alien life, but it shows something else — we need to talk about space tourism's growing environmental impact.

Picture of Teodosia
Teodosia Dobriyanova
Video Producer

Teodosia is a video producer at Mashable UK, focussing on stories about climate resilience, urban development, and social good.


More from Space Is Weird
NASA's Curiosity rover finds ancient waves on Mars
Ancient Mars Waves

Mars Rover has finally arrived at a long-awaited Martian location
New Mars Discovery

NASA found evidence of ice on Mars. What does that mean?
Martian Ie

10 mind-blowing facts about space
mind-blowing space facts


Latest Videos
Is this image AI-generated? How to tell in 3 easy steps.
A woman looking confused next to a viral AI generated image of Pope Francis in a parka with an arrow and text reading "real or ai?"



'Conclave' trailer promises political shenanigans at the Vatican
Ralph Fiennes as Cardinal Thomas Lawrence in the film "Conclave."


'Teacup' cast on the horror of isolation
Cast of Teacup


Land, air, and space footage captures the surging Hurricane Milton
Satellite footage captures Hurricane Milton as is brews near Florida's West Coast

Ariana DeBose and the 'House of Spoils' cast on why they call it a "haunted fairytale."
By Belen Edwards and Warren Shaw
House of Spoils

Sebastian Stan, Aaron Schimberg and Adam Pearson reveal the significance of the karaoke scene in 'A Different Man'
By Belen Edwards and Warren Shaw
A Different Men

'The Diplomat' Season 2 trailer sees Allison Janney for vice president
Allison Janney wears a red suit standing on a stone balcony.
The biggest stories of the day delivered to your inbox.
This newsletter may contain advertising, deals, or affiliate links. Subscribing to a newsletter indicates your consent to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy. You may unsubscribe from the newsletters at any time.
Thanks for signing up. See you at your inbox!