Despite assurances that a mysterious missile firing off the coast of California did not pose a threat to the Unites States, several questions still surround the ordeal.

The missile was apparently launched Monday evening at sunset.

A local CBS helicopter crew captured a video that appears to show a rocket or some other object shooting into the sky and leaving a large contrail over the Pacific Ocean.

The missile sighting was 35 miles west of Los Angeles, just northwest of Catalina Island.

Pentagon spokesman Col. Dave Lapan said Tuesday that officials can't confirm that there was a launch and if there was, by whom. He added that there was no evidence that the Defense Department was involved.

Missile tests are common off southern California. Usually, pilots and mariners are advised to stay out of the area, but no warning was given for this launch.

The North American Aerospace Defense Command said there was no launch by any foreign military and the U.S. was not in danger.

U.S. Military officials are looking into the video of the missile.