On the night of May 16, residents across the Southwest looked up and saw something strange—a massive, glowing beam of light piercing the sky. People caught photos of the same ethereal streak from Arizona to New Mexico, Colorado, and even Montana, prompting thousands of shares, likes, and wild theories across social media.
The beam was first reported in places like Safford and Fountain Hills, but images poured in from all over, showing what looked like a spotlight from space fading mysteriously into the night. Some Facebook users simply asked, “What is this?” while others launched into speculation ranging from scientific to sci-fi.
Here’s what we do know: The beam’s source hasn’t been confirmed. Calls to Luke Air Force Base, Davis-Monthan, and Kirtland Air Force Base haven’t yielded answers. With no official statement, the mystery deepens.
Some armchair sleuths pointed to a Chinese rocket launch earlier that day, which sent a payload of satellites into orbit. Could the light have been part of a high-altitude rocket plume catching the sun at just the right angle?
Others proposed more natural explanations. One popular theory involves STEVE (Strong Thermal Emission Velocity Enhancement), a rare atmospheric phenomenon that can look like a glowing ribbon similar to the northern lights. Another contender: light pillars, caused when light reflects off ice crystals suspended high in the atmosphere.
It’s still unclear whether what was seen was space tech, nature’s light show, or something else entirely. Until an official source weighs in, the May 16 beam remains a modern sky mystery.
