Griffin said the launch of a Long March-2D rocket carrying experimental satellites reportedly took place from the Xichang Satellite Launch Centre earlier that afternoon Beijing time.
Reports and images of a glowing cloud moving across the sky quickly surfaced on social media, with sightings spanning much of the country.
Griffin, who observed the event from Middlemarch near Dunedin, described it as “a very bright cloud” that slowly expanded as it travelled.
He said the cloud was initially intense and was likely reflecting sunlight at high altitude.
Griffin said that as the rocket climbed further into orbit, the plume spread out and formed a distinctive spiral shape, which he said was a hallmark of rocket exhaust dispersing in the upper atmosphere.
“It really did look otherworldly,” Griffin said.
“It’s not something you ever see in the natural night sky – a glowing cloud that grows and shifts shape as you watch. I can understand why people found it a bit unsettling.”
Griffin said such displays, while uncommon, were not unprecedented.
He said similar effects have been observed after launches from New Zealand’s Mahia Peninsula Launch Complex, as well as missions by SpaceX in the United States.
Despite its unusual appearance, Griffin said there was no danger.
“The rocket is hundreds of kilometres above us by the time this happens,” he said.
“What you’re seeing is sunlight reflecting off gases released during the launch. It’s completely harmless – just visually stunning.”
The New Zealand Defence Force has been approached for comment.
– RNZ
