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Astronomy/bright orange moving lights in night sky

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Expert: - 4/5/2008


Question
Hi there,
We witnessed 4 bright orange light moving across our night sky at about 11.30pm tonight.  They traveled from east to west and took about 1 minute.  They moved in a steady fashion, and were spaced well apart.  They stood out in the sky, like big bright stars.  What could they be?
Thanks,
Jo.

Answer
Hi Jo...
The Plutonians are angry that we downgraded their body from
planet status to asteroid status,....so they are invading....grab
your young'uns....!!

Seriously, sounds like a line of Apache Helicopters (which are lit
up like a Christmas tree) on night maneuvers, about 40-50 miles
from you. 11:30 pm is night time, and orange indicates a lot of
dust and/or moisture in the air.  You didn't hear anything because
at that distance, the sound wouldn't travel that far, and yet
we can see lights (from aircraft) at night from over 200 miles
away, if it's super clear, even farther.
(We can see faint stars at night and they are hundreds of light
years distant.).
You don't state your location, so that's the best I can do, but
that is a typical 4 ship military helicopter formation.
You may not believe all this, but that's my best guess with the
information you supplied me.
Hope All that Helps,
Clear skies,
Tom Whiting
Erie, PA

Astronomy

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Tom Whiting

Expertise

Astronomy has been my hobby/pasttime for over 50 years.  Currently own 3 telescopes, the largest of which is a 30 inch Newtonian truss Dob that is portable.I taught Astronomy/Meteorology at the University Level for 13 years before retiring in 1995. Being retired and home most of the time, I am able to answer all questions relatively quickly, unless it's a new moon weekend with good observing conditions.  No astrology questions please, or questions about alleged UFO picture identifications.

Experience

Experience: Astronomy has been my hobby and study for over 50 years. We currently now own a 30 inch portable telescope (Updated - Pennsylvania`s largest portable telescope). It can be seen on our website at:http://www.velocity.net/~bwhiting and also attend several regional starparties during the year, and have been on 5 total solar eclipse expeditions.

Organizations: President, Erie County Mobile Observers Group for over 15 years.

Publications: Wrote the "Over Erie Skies" newspaper article in our local newspaper for 11 years (1975-86).

Education: Masters Degree- Taught at the University level for 13 years. Retired 20 years -USAF Pilot - KC-135 with 180 combat missions;  Also Eagle Scout, Philmont staff 2 Yrs, Order of Arrow Lodge Chief, Ham Radio (inactive).

Awards: two discoveries: The mini-coathanger asterism in Ursa Minor (the little dipper) And the mini-ladle- another asterism in the bowl of Ursa Minor. Clients: Currently President of the ECMOG as mentioned above.

Education/Credentials
BS  Metallurgical Engineering Grove City College, PAMaster's Degree, Gannon University, Erie, PA Also retired USAF pilot, 20 years.

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