Identification of an object in the sky

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    Identification Sky
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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around the identification of a celestial object observed in the sky, specifically a flashing light seen through a telescope. Participants explore potential explanations for the observed phenomenon, including atmospheric effects and the possibility of it being a known planet or star. The context includes observational details such as location and timing.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory
  • Technical explanation
  • Conceptual clarification
  • Debate/contested

Main Points Raised

  • One participant observed a flashing object in the southwest sky, questioning whether atmospheric conditions were responsible for the colors seen through a telescope.
  • Another participant suggested that atmospheric fluctuations, such as moisture or particulate matter, could explain the observed flashing, particularly for objects near the horizon.
  • A request for more specific observational details was made, including location, time, and brightness comparison to other celestial objects.
  • Participants inquired about the regularity of the flashing to determine if the object could be of artificial origin.
  • The observer clarified that the flashing object was located under Jupiter and described its flashing pattern, including occasional purple hues.
  • One participant identified potential candidates for the observed object, suggesting that Venus and Spica could be responsible for the flashing due to their positions relative to Jupiter and atmospheric effects.
  • The original observer acknowledged the atmospheric influence on the colors and expressed interest in observing Saturn later.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants generally agree that atmospheric conditions may play a role in the observed flashing, but there is no consensus on the exact identity of the object or the nature of the flashing. Multiple competing views regarding the potential identification of the object remain unresolved.

Contextual Notes

Details such as the specific time of observation and the brightness comparison to other celestial objects were requested but not fully provided, which may limit the analysis of the observation.

Cladson
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I saw a star just yesterday night about southwest in the sky, and when viewed through my telescope it was flashing red and blue.It was no plane for it was there all night.Is this caused by the atmosphere?If not what is it?
 
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Atmospheric fluctuations [e.g., pockets of airborne moisture or particulate matter] are the likely explanation - especially when viewing objects near the horizon.
 
Could you tell us your location, what time, and be more specific about where (direction and altitude) you saw this object? Also, how much brighter was it than other objects? Looking at a planetarium program, there isn't much in the southwest in the evening sky for an observer in the northern hemisphere.
 
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Also, how regular was the flashing (this might help to find out if the observation was of artificial origin)
 
The flashing thing was under Jupiter. More west in the sky than south.The falshing was pretty consistent. Probably half second intervals every once in a while it went a slight shade of purple.Im in florida on the pan handle between the two cities(Destin and pensacola).
 
Well, a couple of degrees to the left and slighly above Jupiter is Venus, and a couple of degrees to the right and slightly below is Spica, a 1st magnitude star. Being so low (they set at about 8:30), all would flicker a lot.
 
So the atmosphere causes the colors.I have never seen saturn yet. I will look tonihgt
 

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