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Old 04-30-2012, 09:42 AM
 
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Did the colors/twinkling get more pronounced as it neared the horizon? Wouldn't that be a sign of them being from stuff in the air?
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Old 04-30-2012, 10:31 AM
 
Location: Hyrule
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Maybe it's one of those lights on top of a mountain so planes don't run into it. lol Those are red, blue and white and twinkle.
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Old 04-30-2012, 11:52 AM
 
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The twinkling and colors are indeed caused by anything from space dust, terrestrial pollution, gases and as stated water vapor in the air.

Quote:
Originally Posted by PoppySead View Post
Maybe it's one of those lights on top of a mountain so planes don't run into it. lol Those are red, blue and white and twinkle.
If that was the case, I would be very concerned with it dropping below the horizon. ; )...........
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Old 04-30-2012, 02:43 PM
 
Location: Phoenix, AZ
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If you're anywhere near Phoenix, the only satellite you can see with the naked eye would be the ISS, and even that's too dim to match what you're describing.

I'm going with either a plane (if you are sighting straight down a flight path, it will look stationary for a very, very long time), or a planet.

If you want to make sure it's not a plane, just time the flashes. If it flashes with a regular pattern, it's a plane.

Planets will twinkle and change color if they're near the horizon (or if you're near an airport). Phil Plait does a good job explaining why. Phil Plait's Bad Astronomy: Bitesize Astronomy
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