Mysterious Orange Light in the Sky

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around an observation of a mysterious orange light in the sky, reported by a participant who saw it appear and disappear within a short time frame. Participants explore various explanations for this phenomenon, including potential astronomical events and aircraft behavior.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory
  • Debate/contested

Main Points Raised

  • One participant suggests the light could have been a stray meteor, which typically moves quickly across the sky.
  • Another participant counters that meteors do not last for 30 seconds and would generally move, questioning the meteor explanation.
  • A further elaboration indicates that while meteors can appear brighter and larger, they usually leave a trail and do not remain stationary.
  • There is a suggestion that the light could have been an aircraft, which might appear stationary if it is moving directly towards the observer, potentially disappearing if it turns.
  • A request for more details about the light's brightness, size, position in the sky, and atmospheric conditions is made to better understand the observation.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants express differing views on the nature of the orange light, with no consensus reached on whether it was a meteor, an aircraft, or another phenomenon. The discussion remains unresolved with multiple competing explanations.

Contextual Notes

Participants note the importance of additional observational details, such as the light's brightness and atmospheric conditions, which could influence interpretations of the event.

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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