Meteorological Department denies missile link, attributes phenomenon to lenticular clouds
Social media was abuzz early Tuesday after residents of Quetta and Harnai, Balochistan, captured strange glowing trails streaking across the pre-dawn sky.
The October 28 phenomenon, first reported around 5:30 am, showed spiraling patterns and illuminated plumes stretching across the horizon. Many locals shared photos and videos online, describing the sight as “otherworldly” and “like a rocket launch in slow motion.”
Speculation About Hypersonic Missile Tests
Soon after images began circulating on X (formerly Twitter), speculation mounted that Pakistan might have conducted a classified missile test, with several users claiming the trails resembled stage separations typical of ballistic or hypersonic systems.
Some online observers linked the phenomenon to Pakistan’s advancing defense capabilities, referencing earlier reports of indigenous hypersonic research programs.
However, as of Tuesday afternoon, the Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR) had issued no official statement confirming or denying a missile test.
PMD Attributes Phenomenon to Lenticular Clouds
Later in the day, the Pakistan Meteorological Department (PMD) moved to clarify the mystery.
In a post on X, the department stated that “a lenticular cloud formation was observed in the early morning of Oct 28, 2025, over Koh-e-Murdaar — eastern range of Quetta city.”
Meteorologists explained that lenticular clouds — smooth, lens-shaped clouds often mistaken for UFOs or rocket trails, form when moist air passes over mountains, creating wave-like air currents.
When illuminated by the rising sun, these formations can reflect brilliant shades of blue, orange, and gold, appearing almost fiery to the naked eye.
From Conspiracy to Curiosity
While the PMD’s clarification dismissed the military theory, the online frenzy continued throughout the day, with hashtags like #QuettaLights and #HypersonicPakistan trending across Pakistani social media.
Many users described it as one of the most spectacular twilight scenes seen in years, blending scientific fascination and patriotic curiosity.
One resident wrote:
“Whether it was a missile or a miracle, Quetta’s sky this morning was pure magic.”
A Reminder of Nature’s Wonders
Experts noted that similar sky phenomena have been reported globally and are often misinterpreted as rocket launches or UFO sightings.
In this case, the event served as a reminder of nature’s ability to captivate and confuse in equal measure , an intersection where science meets imagination.
