Sometimes, the lighting configurations on these “drones” seem inconsistent with the direction in which the craft is clearly flying. We can determine the craft’s trajectory based on its position relative to us—I’m sure I could map it out on a compass without a problem.
However, the lights on many of these strange objects don’t align with that trajectory! Does this resonate with your observations?
It often appears that the front and back of the craft aren’t aligned with its actual direction of travel. I think this applies to most sightings, but it’s easier to notice this misalignment with lower-flying objects since they appear larger.
Could wind conditions be causing a craft to appear to face Southeast, based on its lighting, while it’s really heading Northeast?
While I’m sure there are exceptions, and estimating distance in the night sky can be very challenging, this discrepancy provides a useful clue if a craft seems really out of alignment.
Strange, right?
You raise an interesting point about the direction of the lights on these crafts and how they don’t always match up with their actual flight paths. The inconsistency can definitely be confusing, especially when we’re trying to make sense of what we’re seeing in the sky.
It’s possible that factors like wind or other environmental influences could affect the craft’s orientation, giving the illusion that the lights are pointing in a different direction than the craft is actually heading. Additionally, many drones or other aerial vehicles might have lights configured for visibility or safety, rather than strict aerodynamics.
Another thing to consider is the possibility of misperception from our vantage point on the ground. The angle at which we observe the crafts can alter our perception of their orientation, especially at night when lighting plays such a crucial role in how we interpret what we see.
You’re right that this discrepancy in direction could be a useful indicator when trying to identify unusual objects in the sky. It adds another layer of complexity to an already intriguing phenomenon. Thanks for sharing your thoughts!