NUFORC Sighting 73971

Occurred: 2010-01-02 12:20 Local
Reported: 2010-01-03 23:04 Pacific
Duration: 5-6 minutes
No of observers: 2

Location: Orange, CA, USA

Shape: Light
Characteristics: Aircraft nearby

Point of light in daytime sky over Orange, CA

I was in the process of removing our exterior Christmas lights when I noticed a light in the sky to the North moving South. It appeared in luminosity similar to a star or satellite. In addition, it appeared to be of very high altitude, again similar to a satellite. This was apparent as the jet plane was passing from East to West at a high altitude at the same time I noted the unknown light. The plane was crossing the sky at an approximate 50 degree relative elevation from my vantage point, and the unknown light was at an approximate 70 degree relative elevation when first sighted.

My initial thought was this was a satellite, as I have seen these many times at night and on occasion during the day. However, this light did not behave as other satellites I have observed. The light moved relatively slow in comparison. The light took approximately 30 seconds to move directly overhead. It then stopped for approximately 3 to 5 seconds. The light very slightly grew in size and brightness during this period of first sight to the stop over head. I also had called my wife out to see it during this period. She also observed the light. I asked to bring the camcorder to see if we could get the light on video.

The light then moved in westerly direction. Again, slower than a plane or satellite. We tried to film the light with two camcorders but are unsure if we captured it (we have not reviewed the tapes as of this reporting). The light continued on its westerly course for approximately 3 minutes before I noted it was moving slightly to the west/south/west (say 15 degrees from true west). The light was approximately at 75 to 80 degrees relative elevation. Please note I can assure the light was very distant as it was obscured for a second or two by part of high cloud.

I continued to intermittently observe the light for another minute. The light was dimming and becoming increasingly harder to spot. It appeared to traveling directly away (i.e. out rather than in a particular direction).

Posted 2010-02-14

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