The Mysterious Bright Object in the Sky: What You Saw on September 17th, 2016

On the night of September 17th, 2016, at around 1:25 AM GMT, many people across the world had a fleeting but mysterious encounter with a bright object in the sky. If you witnessed such a sight while standing at 35°44′11″N 105°54′18″W, facing west, we can provide some insight into what it could have been.

Identification: Venus, the Morning or Evening Star

The most plausible explanation for the bright object you observed is the planet Venus, also known as the Morning Star or Evening Star depending on the time and location of your sighting. Venus can often be mistaken for a bright star because of its dazzling brilliance.

What makes Venus so bright? Venus is referred to as the Morning Star or Evening Star due to its proximity to the Sun. When Venus is on the far side of the Earth relative to the Sun, it can be seen in the early morning sky. Conversely, when it is on the near side, it is visible in the evening sky. On September 17th, 2016, at 1:25 AM GMT, Venus would have been setting, making it the Morning Star that appeared in the evening sky.

According to simulations from Starry Night Pro 7 (Simulation Curriculum Corp), Venus was on the verge of setting at that time. [Photo of Venus] The simulation shows that Venus would have been quite prominent, gleaming magnitudinally –3.9, which made it stand out prominently against the twilight.

Alternatives: Airplane, Satellite, or UFO?

If the object you saw was not Venus, there are other possibilities, although less likely:

Airplane: An airplane flying at a great height could seem bright and stationary. However, the object you saw was moving, reducing this possibility. Satellite: Although satellites can be seen during the night, they generally move quicker and brighter than the object you described. Moreover, given the size you reported, a satellite does not seem to be the most probable explanation. UFO: The object you saw could have been a UFO (Unidentified Flying Object). UFOs are often described as bright, moving objects in the sky, but there is no concrete evidence to suggest they are anything other than natural phenomena or artificial objects.

Given the context of the sighting, the most likely explanation is indeed Venus. However, if the object was not Venus, the next most probable alternative could have been a comet or meteor, a very bright satellite, or even a weather balloon.

Observations of Venus: The Brightest Planet

Venus is the third-brightest object in the night sky, only behind the Sun and the Moon. It has been known to provide an amazing show in the sky, especially in its phases, which can be observed through a telescope or binoculars. On September 17th, 2016, Venus was close to the horizon in the western sky, making it easier to spot.

Skywatchers with a clear horizon in the west-southwest looked for Venus. Due to its close proximity to the Sun, Venus was still visible after sunset. However, its brightness soon made it difficult to see, especially in twilight.

Despite the fact that the sighting was only brief, it highlights how fascinating and unpredictable the night sky can be. Whether it was Venus, an airplane, or something else, this encounter with an unidentifiable bright object in the sky has left many people wondering and looking for answers.

Conclusion

While the bright object you saw on September 17th, 2016, was likely Venus, other explanations such as airplanes, satellites, or UFOs are also possible. However, the presence of Venus in the sky as a bright and prominent object fits well with many of the descriptions provided.

[See Photo of Venus Above]

For those interested in further exploring the mysteries of the night sky, observe Venus again as it moves through different phases and positions. You may discover its beauty and mystery firsthand.