Although an illuminated sky is not news in California, the recent light show over the state puzzled locals, who wondered if it had something to do with the state housing the Vandenberg Air Force Base, from where rockets are launched.
A shimmering circle and a light smoke trail were seen by many around the time a Delta IV Heavy rocket’s launch was cancelled and rescheduled for the next day.
People from both northern and southern California shared their photos and videos of the phenomenon, guessing what could have caused it if the launch had been scrubbed.
The guesses ranged from a meteor to a rocket.
Some reported it was a flare test.