I’m not sure if this is the right place to post, but I wanted to share an observation I made. On December 16, 2024, at 6:50 PM, I noticed a triangular formation in the sky while looking up from Riverside-Norco, CA. I spotted the same formation again on December 18, 2024, at 2:19 PM, slightly to the west just north of Ridgecrest, CA.
These objects were by far the brightest in the sky at the time, even with significant light pollution around. They didn’t blink or flicker like stars and remained stationary. Unfortunately, the video I took of the second sighting didn’t come out well, but I was off Hwy 395 in a remote area. According to ChatGPT, there are no known planets or stars that would create such a formation. Has anyone else seen anything like this? Any thoughts on what it could be?
That sounds like a really interesting sighting! It’s not uncommon for people to observe unusual formations in the sky, especially when there are multiple bright lights in a triangular pattern. Here are a few possibilities for what you might have seen:
Drones: Sometimes, groups of drones are flown in formations for events or exhibitions. They can appear quite bright and may not twinkle like stars.
Satellites: Certain satellites can reflect sunlight and appear brighter than the surrounding stars, especially shortly after sunset or just before sunrise. However, they usually move across the sky rather than remain stationary.
Airplanes: In some cases, aircraft flying at certain altitudes can create a bright grouping of lights, especially if you’re looking toward an airport.
Celestial Events: While you’ve ruled out known planets or stars, it’s worth noting that sometimes bright meteors or space debris can create interesting patterns in the sky.
Artificial Light: Reflection from ground sources or unusual atmospheric conditions can sometimes create optical illusions in the sky.
If you’re interested in getting more insights, you might consider sharing the details with local astronomy clubs or online forums focused on skywatching. They often have enthusiasts who can help identify celestial phenomena!