What is this wierd object i see within the stars at night.

Question

For the last few nights now i've been noticing this small star shaped thing not too bigger than a regular star that flashes in wierd colors from afar. i have used a simple way to remember where it is if i stand in a certain spot. the next night i looked at it again and its moved about 4-5 stars down. it kinda has a certain flashing pattern then fades for a second and shows more colors like white,red,green sort of. i know for sure its not a plane or helicopter but is this some sort of a satillite? i tried lookin around to see if i could find another but its the only one.. if someone could help explain what this is that would be great.

Answer 1

Firstly, if it ain't moving it ain't flying.

Secondly, we need location, direction, time, and how far above the horizon.

I have an idea of what it is, but give us all of that first.

Answer 2

I'm pretty sure you're talking about the same planet I've been watching for the past few nights. I haven't checked to see what planet it is, but a planet it is. If it were a satelite, it would be streaming across the sky very quickly.

One way to distinguish between planets and stars is that if you can perceive any diameter whatsoever to the point of light in question, you're seeing something other than a star. A little-known fact is that stars in space are so far away that by the time their light reaches us, there are only enough photons to light up just one or two of the cone/rod cells in our retinae. That means they will always look like points, not circles.

Of course planets aren't the only things you can see with a circumference. Comets, nebulae, etc... may be visible also.

Answer 3

Satellites don't move with the stars, they move across the sky relatively quickly.  Planets can move in the way you're describing (although usually not that fast) but they don't twinkle or blink.  Have you tried looking at it through binoculars?  It just sounds like a star low on the horizon - they twinkle much more than stars overhead because you're looking through so much more atmosphere.

Answer 4

Hi matt m,

Try looking through a telescope.  I doubt it's a satilite as they usually moving faster.   Could it be the Northern Lights (especially since they tend to move & show different colors depending on who you are). Planets can be seen through your telescope I know for sure. (star gazers retro club).   Have a good night. :0)

Additional Details: Star bright, star light,   I wish I might have this wish   I wish tonight (I jut couldn't help myself). Loves star gazing espcially on a clear night.