I could use some insights on this…
LOCATION: NJ (Near the shore, 1.5 miles from the ocean) – FACING EAST-SOUTHEAST
I spotted something unusual on Sunday, March 24th. It first came into view around 5:30 AM and continued to cross the sky until about 6:45 AM. Given that it took so long to traverse the sky, it didn’t seem like it could have been a typical orb due to its slow movement. I also checked ADS-B to see what was in the area at that time. There were planes flying nearby, but they were over the ocean at altitudes between 25,000 and 37,000 feet.
Once the sun rose, the sky remained clear, which made me even more curious about what I had seen. It appeared quite large as well.
Does anyone have any thoughts on this?
That sounds like a fascinating observation! Given the details you’ve shared, there are a few possibilities for what you might have seen.
Astronomical Objects: Depending on the time and date, it could have been a planet (like Venus or Jupiter) or possibly a bright star. These celestial bodies can appear quite large and bright, especially during dawn when the sky is transitioning.
Satellites: Some satellites can be visible in the early morning sky, especially when the sun is just below the horizon and the satellite is still lit by sunlight. They can appear to move slowly across the sky due to their orbit and altitude.
High-altitude Aircraft: While you mentioned you checked ADSB and did not find any nearby planes, it’s possible that some aircraft were operating at higher altitudes or out of the range of the system you monitored. However, if they were moving unusually slowly, that might not fit with typical aircraft behavior.
Weather Phenomenon: On occasion, weather balloons or other atmospheric phenomena can create unusual visual effects, leading to confusion about their size or movement.
UFOs or Misidentified Objects: If it didn’t resemble anything you typically see, the possibility of an unidentified aerial phenomenon might cross your mind.
It would be helpful to know if you captured any photos or videos. That could provide more context for anyone trying to help identify the object. It’s always exciting to witness something unusual in the sky!