Have you ever glanced up at the night sky and spotted a mysterious light that made you stop and wonder? Maybe you thought it was something extraordinary—perhaps even extraterrestrial. While the idea of alien encounters is captivating, many of the "UFOs" observed during this period from October 29th to November 3rd are actually identifiable objects in our own skies. Let’s explore some common explanations for these intriguing lights and how you can become a confident stargazer who knows exactly what to look for.

The Bright Luminary: Venus, the Evening Star

One of the most frequently mistaken UFOs is actually the planet Venus. Just after sunset, if you face southwest, you might notice an extraordinarily bright, steady light hanging just above the horizon. This dazzling light, often startling to first-time observers, is Venus shining brilliantly.

The planet’s brightness and its position in the sky can even trick people into thinking it is following them, especially when driving along winding roads. While it might feel like a cosmic companion on your journey, it’s important to keep your eyes on the road and let your passengers enjoy the celestial show.

Blinking Lights: Planes in the Night

If you spot a blinking light moving steadily across the sky, chances are it’s an aircraft. Planes often have red, blue, and white blinking lights that can create the illusion of a UFO, especially when they are approaching directly. Watch closely, and once the plane moves laterally past you, the characteristic blinking navigation lights become clear.

In urban areas, numerous blinking lights on tall buildings and radio towers can also catch your eye and cause some confusion. These static lights are not UFOs but part of our terrestrial infrastructure.

The Swift Streak: Meteors or "Shooting Stars"

Have you noticed a quick flash darting across the sky that lasts just a second or two? That’s a meteor streaking through Earth’s atmosphere. Often called shooting stars, meteors are tiny fragments of rock, ice, and dust burning up at incredible speeds. Sometimes they glow green, break apart, or leave smoky trails visibly lighting up the night.

This spectacle is a favorite among sky watchers and a reminder of the dynamic universe we’re part of.

Steady and Slow: Satellites and the International Space Station

A non-blinking, steadily moving light traversing the night sky is most likely a satellite. Thousands of human-made satellites orbit the Earth, and one of the brightest is the International Space Station (ISS). Roughly the size of a football field, the ISS can outshine even the brightest stars due to its large surface area reflecting sunlight.

The reason you can spot satellites after sunset or just before sunrise is that while it’s dark on Earth, these objects high above in space are still illuminated by the sun. This reflection makes them visible from the ground, creating a gentle, steady glow moving across the sky.

Tools to Enhance Your Skywatching

If you’re eager to know when and where satellites—including the ISS—will pass overhead, plenty of apps and resources can help:

Satellite Tracker and Sputnik apps provide real-time satellite tracking.
The website Heavens-Above.com offers detailed schedules and viewing directions for satellites visible from your location.

Using these tools can help transform your UFO mystery sightings into well-identified flying objects, enriching your night sky experience.

Keep Looking Up!

While no confirmed alien visits have been identified yet—despite many years of hopeful watching and waiting—these captivating lights from planets, planes, meteors, and satellites add wonder to the night sky. Whether it’s the dazzling Venus, blinking airplanes, fleeting meteors, or transparent satellites, each celestial object offers a unique moment to enjoy the cosmos.

So, during the upcoming nights from October 29th to November 3rd, take a moment to gaze up, explore these celestial wonders, and maybe, just maybe, keep your eyes peeled for something truly out of this world!

Happy stargazing!