Unidentified objects in the sky.

LynM · #1 (**permalink**) 26-09-2009, 10:30 PM

I'm not sure if this is the right/best place to ask this question, but here goes....about 10 this evening, my OH and I observed five orangey objects in the sky in the general direction of south from here near Sherborne in Dorset. There was no noise at all and the objects seemed to glow, move around each other, fade from view and then re-appear in a slightly different location. This continued for over ten minutes and then they disappeared altogether. My OH looked through good bins and said that they looked almost like parachutes and the colour was definitely an orange.

I must say that I immediately expected to hear bangs and that they would be fireworks, but that didn't happen.

Does anyone have any simple explanation for what we have seen, or can you suggest where I might find out?

Dutchess · #2 (**permalink**) 26-09-2009, 10:40 PM

Hello Lyn,

I suspect what you saw (especially on a Saturday night) was Chinese Sky Lanterns (aka Happy Lanterns, Sky Lanterns, Flying Lanterns.) They are often set off in groups and are quieter and gentler than the usual but familiar raucous fireworks.

I believe people often think they are seeing UFOs, I know I was pretty startled when I first encountered them, glowing and floating steadily up a distant hill!

'Hope this helps,

D.

Cheryl · #3 (**permalink**) 26-09-2009, 10:42 PM

Possibly Chinesse Flying Lanterns - they seem to be the "in thing" at the moment for parties etc. We've had them a lot around here and there has been speculation in the local press as to what they are. Here is a bit of info about them

Authentic Chinese Sky Lanterns or Flying Chinese Lanterns have been used for thousands of years and traditionally released to bring good luck and prosperity. Sky Lanterns are great for any celebration or event and are both spectacular and serene.

Now you can buy Flying Chinese Lanterns in the UK and are great for birthdays, bonfire night, garden parties, chinese new year, new years eve or just use Sky Lanterns for a very memorable night!

Edited to say - Dutchess - I think we crossed "in the post"

Dutchess · #4 (**permalink**) 26-09-2009, 10:46 PM

Hehe! Well there you are Lyn, Cheryl says the same

D.

LynM · #5 (**permalink**) 26-09-2009, 10:54 PM

Thank you both! OH remains convinced that they were UFOs, but your explanation plus a comment elsewhere, leads me to believe you are poabbaly right!

dickybird · #6 (**permalink**) 27-09-2009, 03:57 PM

dont know anything about these lanterns---do they not present as a fire hazard?

dickybird

LynM · #7 (**permalink**) 27-09-2009, 04:11 PM

Hi Dickie,

Check out this site and you will find out more. I knew nothing about them until last evening either.

dickybird · #8 (**permalink**) 27-09-2009, 05:25 PM

sound pretty risky to me! wonder how many people will read/follow the lengthy list of safety precautions?

dickybird

loripo · #9 (**permalink**) 27-09-2009, 05:29 PM

They do look very pretty but I wasnt sure about the biodegradableness (if thats a valid word) if they were made of fire retardant paper. This is quite interesting tho
What's the environmental impact of a sky lantern? | Leo Hickman | Environment | guardian.co.uk

Not sure if this idea is any better than theballoons let of for the Harry Potter film (See thread 'release of 1000 black balloons')

nytecam · #10 (**permalink**) 29-09-2009, 11:42 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by LynM

Thank you both! OH remains convinced that they were UFOs, but your explanation plus a comment elsewhere, leads me to believe you are poabbaly right!

Chinese lanterns are commonplace nowerdays - last year it was headline news in the local 'rag' but the moment our astro soc provided an expert witness the subject died an instant death

Reality spoils the fun and anything within our atmosphere can't be astronomy as such unless it origins [like meteors/aurorae] are from beyond