For the first time I saw something I can’t explain in the sky last night. I’ve been shooting astrophotography for over a decade.

Unexplained Phenomenon in the Night Sky: A Decade-Long Astrophotographer Encounters the Unidentifiable

As an avid astrophotographer with over ten years of experience capturing the cosmos, I have witnessed numerous celestial phenomena—meteors, satellites, planets, and occasional atmospheric oddities. However, last night’s sighting was unlike anything I have encountered in all my years of skywatching. What I observed defies conventional explanation and has left me both baffled and intrigued.

A Mysterious Light in the Night

The event occurred during a clear night when I was observing the sky. At first glance, I noticed a low-altitude object emitting flashing lights—an appearance that initially suggested a drone or aircraft. Yet, the object’s behavior and appearance did not align with common aerial craft or known satellites. Its size and movement pattern seemed inconsistent with typical celestial objects.

An Unfamiliar Shape and Behavior

What made this sighting extraordinary was the object’s transient visibility and unique visual characteristics. When lit, I could vaguely discern a shape that resembled a satellite—yet the object appeared to be much closer and, inexplicably, not entirely real. It flashed lights suddenly for about a second, then vanished from view only to reappear approximately 30 degrees north, then disappear again. Notably, I could only perceive its shape when illuminated; in darkness, it remained invisible.

Hologram or Something Else?

My initial reaction was that I was witnessing a hologram—a projection of some sort—an idea reinforced by the way the object materialized and dematerialized so abruptly. It seemed almost surreal, as if I was observing a three-dimensional projection floating in the sky. It lacked the solid, consistent appearance of conventional aerial objects.

Distinguishing From Known Phenomena

While most satellites follow predictable trajectories that make them easy to identify, this object’s physical form and behavior did not match any known drone, aircraft, or satellite. Its fleeting illumination, shape, and low altitude made it stand out as something extraordinary—possibly an optical illusion, an experimental aerial device, or something entirely unknown.

Conclusion and Ongoing Curiosity

After the event, I have been reflecting on what I saw. Having decades of skywatching experience, I am confident this was not a typical aircraft or satellite. The visual effects and behavior suggest something extraordinary, perhaps even unprecedented. I remain curious and open to explanations, wondering whether others have observed