Fireball over Basingrad

[Tsippy]

When I was exiting the Basingstoke hockey rink at about 2045 this evening, I noticed what looked like a large ball of fire in the sky that was moving at the speed of a fast jet (I often see them in the same area along with varying helicopters)

So I was just wondering, if a fast jet such as a Typhoon was flying towards me, would it appear as an orange/red glow? It appeared larger on approach and smaller when moving away ie when it turned the size dropped (no Father Ted comments )

Other observations are that it was very manouveurable and did not appear to have navigation lights ( although I know these are obviously turned off at night for combat, so I assume it'd usually be the same for training?)

Edited by Tsippy on Saturday 9th October 21:58

[TheEnd]

Probably a chinese latern, they account for most of the orange things in the sky

[Tsippy]

I did think Chinese lantern but it seemed to move too fast for one, although I guess it's easy to deceive the eyes with regards to speed at night with very little to use as a fixed point for observation.

[TheEnd]

They can catch airstreams higher up and shift quite fast.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TLgwcMxFscQ

make sure you turn the sound off, as you'll try to punch someone.

[Tsippy]

that's it cheers

But I should have taken your advice on the audio.....

[scubadude]

Funnily enough I drove past on the M3 just after that and saw both a Chinese Lantern (bl**dy dangerous things, should be banned!) and a Ballon (or kit) lit with LED's around that area, maybe someones birthday party going on?