Longtime Astrophotographer, Wife and I Finally Saw One

A Lifelong Astrophotographer and His Wife Witness an Unexplainable Sky Encounter

Stargazing has been a passion of mine for years, and with extensive experience in astrophotography, I’ve become accustomed to observing the night sky’s myriad phenomena — from satellites and Starlink trains to atmospheric lights and military aircraft. However, a recent sighting last night has left both me and my wife utterly astounded, prompting me to share this account, not with a desire for sensationalism, but as a data point for fellow sky enthusiasts and curious minds alike.

Setting the Scene: An Ordinary Night Turns Extraordinary

On the evening of September 28, 2024, around 8:15 PM Mountain Time, under clear skies in the Black Hills of South Dakota, my wife and I were engaged in our usual stargazing session. As an astrophotographer, I monitor the sky regularly, familiar with the typical movement and appearance of satellites, spacecraft, and atmospheric phenomena.

Despite my familiarity, last night’s sighting defied expectations. What commenced as a routine observation quickly transitioned into a perplexing experience that challenged conventional explanations.

The Unusual Sightings: An Orb and a Structural Craft

It began with a solitary gray-hued orb streaking across the sky in approximately six seconds. Its appearance was unlike any satellite or drone I’ve seen before, prompting my wife to miss it as it finished its path. Intrigued, I focused my attention on the region where I had seen the object.

Suddenly, from the northwest, a craft appeared — not V-shaped but with a precise right angle, moving swiftly across the sky in roughly ten seconds. To my eyes, the object appeared to be at the upper atmospheric or low orbital level, measuring multiple football fields in size. Its altitude was above typical aircraft and well below the distance of most satellites like Starlink, based on its apparent altitude.

Distinctive Features and Mysterious Motion

What distinguished this craft was its structured appearance and the visibly white under-lights, which formed a grid or panel-like arrangement. Encircling the craft was a fuzzy, grayish-white aura giving it an ethereal or ghostly appearance. Its movement was eerily smooth and silent, reminiscent of a stingray gliding effortlessly across the sky — maintaining a steady direction without any noticeable change or maneuvering.

The entire observance lasted just over 10 seconds: long enough to confirm the unusual characteristics but too brief for