And i saw a big red glowing ball.

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around a reported sighting of a large red glowing ball in the sky, described as being visible for 20 to 40 seconds. Participants explore potential explanations for this phenomenon, including meteor showers, UFOs, and ball lightning, while considering the implications of each explanation.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory
  • Debate/contested

Main Points Raised

  • One participant describes the sighting, noting the size and stationary nature of the object, and questions whether it could be related to a meteor shower.
  • Another participant humorously suggests it could be a meteor or a fictional scenario involving Luke Skywalker.
  • A different participant argues that if the object was the size of the moon and not moving, it should be classified as a UFO, dismissing the supernova explanation as unlikely due to its potential catastrophic effects on Earth.
  • Another participant introduces the concept of ball lightning as a possible explanation, suggesting further research on the topic.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants express differing views on the nature of the sighting, with no consensus reached on a definitive explanation. Various hypotheses, including UFOs and ball lightning, are presented without resolution.

Contextual Notes

Participants rely on personal observations and interpretations, with some assumptions about the nature of astronomical phenomena and their visibility. The discussion lacks empirical evidence to support any of the proposed explanations.

jpatrick79
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Two nights ago i was driving home in Lockport New York "8-14-2010"...It was around 2.00am
And i saw a big red glowing ball...It was visible for like 20 to 40 seconds...Then there was a curve in the road...And a bunch of trees obstructed my view of it...When the trees stopped i was hoping to see it again...But no such luck...It looked like it was about the size of the moon...I't didn't seem to be moving...Someone said it might have been a supernova...But i doubt that!...Could it of had something to do with the meteor shower the previous night...

Thanks in advance for any explanation Jim,
 
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most likely, it was a meteor... or Luke Skywalker was landing thinking this was Degoba
 


If it was the size of the moon and not moving I would classify that as a UFO. If indeed it had been a supernova astronomers would have told us by now. Furthermore a supernova that would cause such a large phenomenon in Earth's sky would definitely be detrimental to life on earth. Meteor showers consist of small fast moving objects which don't produce a circular solid stationary light you describe. So UFO is the best category.

BTW
A UFO I saw in Miami at close range was 100 times weirder. So you were lucky.
 


jpatrick79,
Welcome to Physics Forum! You may have seen Ball Lightning. Google it and also check Wikipedia for great overviews of this natural (and so far, unexplained) wonder!
 

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