People across the UK have taken to social media after spotting a mysterious large, glowing spiral in the night sky on Monday.

Stargazers across the UK, France, and even as far as Italy noticed a cloud-like shape in the sky that lingered for several minutes before fading.

What was it?

The Met Office explained on social media that the spiral was likely caused by leftover fuel released by the SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket launched on Monday afternoon.

How was it created?

After launching into space, the SpaceX rocket releases its payload - such as a satellite - before heading back to Earth.

As it turns back to earth, it ejects leftover fuel, which instantly freezes at high altitude.