A navy missile test sparked a light that shot through the night skies of the California state of the US, causing panic and fear along the coast, the media reported on Sunday.
The light was spotted travelling quickly over Orange county and neighbouring areas late Saturday, prompting residents to post videos on social media, together with theories of aliens or meteors. Others made panicked calls to law enforcement officials, CNN reported.
Videos posted online show a bright flare rising high, before a wide, bright blue flash emerges in a cone shape.
Later, US military officials clarified that the light came from a pre-planned missile test.
The Navy Strategic Systems Programs held a scheduled missile test flight at sea from USS Kentucky, which is a ballistic missile submarine. The test was conducted off the coast of Southern California, the Pentagon said in a statement.
It said the missile was not armed.
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"The tests were part of a scheduled, ongoing system evaluation test," the statement said.
"Launches are conducted on a frequent, recurring basis to ensure the continued reliability of the system. Each test activity provides valuable information about our systems, thus contributing to assurance in our capabilities."
The military test will continue until November 12.
The Los Angeles International Airport issued a statement on November 6 about the military testing.
"The military airspace to the west of LAX will be active for one week, creating traffic route limitations and requiring LAX to temporarily deviate from over-ocean operations," it said.