Mysterious Orange Light in the Sky

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SUMMARY

The discussion centers around an observation of a mysterious orange light in the night sky, noted to appear and disappear within thirty seconds. Participants suggest various explanations, including the possibility of a bolide, which is a large meteor that can last longer and appear brighter without leaving a trail. The conversation also touches on the characteristics of the light, such as its brightness and position in the sky, which could indicate whether it was a stationary plane or another celestial phenomenon. Key questions about the light's visibility conditions are raised to further analyze the event.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of celestial phenomena, including meteors and bolides.
  • Familiarity with atmospheric conditions affecting visibility, such as cloud cover.
  • Knowledge of aviation and how aircraft lights can appear stationary.
  • Basic astronomy concepts related to light and brightness perception.
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  • Research the characteristics and differences between meteors and bolides.
  • Learn about atmospheric optics and how clouds affect light visibility.
  • Study the behavior of aircraft lights and how they can appear stationary from certain angles.
  • Explore citizen science projects that track and report unusual sky phenomena.
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Astronomy enthusiasts, meteor observers, aviation hobbyists, and anyone interested in unexplained celestial events.

Chris_Gottschal
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This happened about a month ago. I was looking out my window at the sky at about 10 o'clock at night. I was looking West and I noticed an orange light. It hadn't been there moments earlier. About thirty seconds later it was gone. I figured it might have been a plane, but it didn't move. It just looked like an orange star appear, and then dissapear. Any thoughts?
 
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It could've been a stray meteor heading along your line of sight.
 
Meteor would move and wouldn't last for 30 seconds.
 
yenchin said:
Meteor would move and wouldn't last for 30 seconds.

Not something that is heading directly at you. When you look at regular meteor showers, the pieces of tiny rocks move from one part of the sky to other, leaving a trail behind them. There have been many cases where people have seen these things grow brighter and somewhat bigger as time passed but never leaving a trail. These were the times when it was moving parallel to the line of sight - like a truck or a train, or anything else for that matter, moving towards you. Also, it could have lasted for 30 seconds if it was sufficiently large...something like a bolide maybe. It's a possibility.
 
Chris_Gottschal said:
I figured it might have been a plane, but it didn't move.
A plane can look stationary if it's moving in your direction (the brightness of the light would just change). Then the light can seem to disappear if the plane turns.

Any info about the brightness of the light?
Big or small?
Was it low to the horizon or high up?
Did it twinkle or was it steady?
Any clouds that night?
 

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