UFOs

Explanation

UFO is the abbreviation for Unknown Flying Object (in German, Unbekanntes Flugobjekt). In this sense, UFOs exist because it often happens that an observer cannot immediately identify a phenomenon in the sky. However, a UFO is mostly associated with a spaceship from aliens. In the media, UFO sightings are frequently reported. These sightings can usually be easily explained. Many UFO sightings are caused by skybeamers. These are lighting effect devices that send one or more very bright beams of light into the sky. The light path is reflected on clouds or in fog, and you see bright light spots on the cloud base. In most of these devices, the light spots move in a circular pattern.

In addition, fireballs have often caused "UFO alerts" in the past. When a meteoroid enters the Earth's atmosphere, a luminous phenomenon occurs, known as a meteor (shooting star). Very bright meteors are called fireballs. This phenomenon can last several seconds and appears as a bright light point moving quickly across the sky. It leaves a trail behind, which can glow for several seconds. If the meteor's trajectory points towards the observer, the light phenomenon appears almost stationary. Sometimes, rock fragments break apart while passing through the Earth's atmosphere, and the meteor splits into several fragments. Depending on the meteorite's composition, different colors can be seen (e.g., green). Clouds of the type Altocumulus lenticularis sometimes exhibit the classic saucer shape. They form due to the foehn effect, especially in mountainous areas or near mountains. UFO reports also often trace back to astronomical objects, such as a close conjunction of planets. The planet Venus (evening or morning star) has also been the cause of numerous UFO reports. Subjectively, one may have the impression that a star is making jerky movements, likely due to unconscious eye movements. Often, light reflections on a window pane lead to strange phenomena. Finally, UFO sightings are also due to deliberate misleadings. There are now even UFO kits available for purchase, with which "jokers" can fool the public. If you have observed a sky phenomenon for which you have no explanation, we will gladly help you with identification. Please contact us.

Explanations for UFOs

Iridium Flare

An Iridium flare is a luminous phenomenon where a point of light appears in the night sky, becomes brighter, and then disappears. It is sometimes also called an Iridium flash. Here, sunlight is reflected off the antennas and solar panels of a satellite onto the Earth. The whole phenomenon lasts about 10 - 20 seconds and can become very bright. Photo: Andreas Möller

International Space Station

The International Space Station (ISS) is the largest artificial object in space, measuring approximately 100x100 meters, and orbits the Earth at an altitude of just 370 km. Since the ISS can be observed very frequently, there are many casual observations. For about 5 minutes, a bright point of light moves across the entire sky. Sometimes it fades halfway. Then the ISS is in the Earth's shadow. The visibility of the ISS can also be calculated . The exact location must be specified. Photo: Claudia Hinz

Planets

Planets are the brightest "stars" (they are not stars, but planets) in the night sky. Especially Venus and Jupiter can appear very bright. In a special configuration, these bright points in the sky can be mistaken for UFOs. The photo shows Venus, the Moon, and Jupiter in conjunction. Photo: Andreas Möller

Skybeamer

Discotheques and other organizers use sky beamers to attract visitors. However, they are a nuisance for astronomers and stargazers. As known from the Batman series, a sky beamer projects a bright beam of light into the sky. Photo: Michael Großmann

Altocumulus lenticularis

Altocumulus lenticularis (Ac len) are clouds that look like flying saucers. They form when layers of air are lifted over a mountain. Lenticular clouds do not move in the sky but are stationary. Photo: Wolfgang Hinz

Halo Phenomena

Halo phenomena are quickly labeled as UFOs or even as "chembows." This is because the existence of these phenomena is largely unknown. They are colored and white arcs, rings, and light points in the sky that occur when sunlight is refracted and reflected by ice crystals. More information about halo phenomena can be found in our halo section! Photo: Claudia Hinz (Right sundog)

Rocket Fuel

In very rare cases, rockets can be observed under a clear starry sky as they release fuel. Jan Hattenbach had the opportunity in 2013 to witness a so-called "Fuel Dumping". Photo: Jan Hattenbach

Weather Balloons

Weather balloons are often mistaken for UFOs because they are largely unknown. Weather balloons can also be seen at night. Even when the sun has already disappeared below the horizon, it can still illuminate the balloon. Photo: Wolfgang Hinz

Sky Lantern

Sky lanterns, also known as Kong-Ming lanterns, are small party balloons that are lit and then rise into the sky burning for about 5 - 10 minutes. A distant observer sees these balloons as a bright reddish point of light.

Space Debris

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Contrails

When the sun has already disappeared below the horizon, distant airplanes can still be illuminated by it. The aircraft's contrails then glow yellow-reddish and can shine intensely. The contrails are often mistaken for bright fireballs. However, the illuminated contrails can be seen for several minutes, as the airplane moves much slower than a fireball. Meteors often shine in the sky for only a few seconds.

UFOs in the Photo Gallery