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.
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.
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Albuquerque
USA
10 minutes
10 minutes
35.12
-106.62
light
NM
Occurred : 9/20/2005 19:28 (Entered as : 09/20/2005 19:28) Reported: 9/20/2005 6:56:58 PM 18:56 Posted: 10/11/2005 Location: Albuquerque, NM Shape: Light Duration: 10 minutes Characteristics: The object changed color
Brilliant white light west of Albuquerque