Caelum Incognitum — The interactive encyclopedia of ufology

The Moon, Jupiter, Sirius: astronomical mix-ups

Explanations & misidentifications

The Moon low on the horizon, and Jupiter or Sirius twinkling in several colors, are, with Venus, among the most frequent causes of reports. A streetlamp or distant lighthouse behind thin cloud can also pass for a motionless object. Simple sky software identifies them in seconds.

In the major cases

• Japan Airlines Flight 1628 (1986)
• The Kaikoura Lights (1978)

See also

• Venus (misidentification)
• Sky-checking tools
• Autokinetic effect
• The New Jersey drones (2024)
• Moon illusion
• Pilot sightings
• Colour-changing lights

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