NUFORC Sighting 46388
Occurred: 2005-09-20 19:28 LocalReported: 2005-09-20 18:56 Pacific
Duration: 10 minutes
No of observers: 1
Location: Albuquerque, NM, USA
Shape: Light
Characteristics: Changed Colo
Brilliant white light west of Albuquerque
When leaving the gym tonight at 19:28 I noticed an obscenely brilliant white light due west roughly 30 degrees above the horizon and recently-set sun. For a moment I was filled with the Holy S*#! factor but then calmed as I realized it was probably a high-altitude balloon. (Many years ago I saw something similar and checked it out in binoculars and saw the distinct upside-down teardrop translucent balloon shape.) About 10 minutes later I noticed it taking on an orangish hue and it quickly faded red and dark as the sun went farther below the horizon.
I'm 100% convinced it was just a balloon but I wanted to submit this report to help clarify any others you may receive.
I am an amateur astronomer and have a background in physics.
Posted 2005-10-11
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