Within Sky Charts
When Jupiter or Sirius Looks Unidentified
Jupiter, Sirius and other bright objects can mimic unusual lights unless their chart positions, brightness and duration are checked together.
On this page
- Bright object candidates beyond Venus
- How stars and planets differ in chart checks
- Common weak matches and false positives
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Introduction
When investigators use astronomical charts to check UFO reports, Venus is often the first object examined, but it is far from the only bright celestial source that can generate convincing false matches. Jupiter, Sirius and a handful of other first-magnitude stars repeatedly appear in UFO case files because they are bright, conspicuous and capable of producing visual effects that many observers interpret as unusual behaviour. NASA’s public guidance for identifying unexplained lights specifically notes that Sirius, Jupiter and Mercury are frequently reported as UFOs, especially when they appear low above the horizon. [NASA Science]science.nasa.govidentifying ufos and uapsNASA ScienceIdentifying UFOs and UAPs1 Dec 2013 — Sirius and Jupiter are also often reported as UFOs, as well as Mercury. When bright pla…
The key investigative question is not simply whether a bright object was present. A credible chart check must compare the object’s exact position, brightness, visibility period and apparent behaviour against the witness description. Many proposed astronomical explanations fail because they match only one of those factors. Others become highly persuasive because the charted object and the reported light agree in several independent ways.
Bright-Object Candidates Beyond Venus
Jupiter is often the strongest planetary candidate after Venus. It can reach a brilliance that greatly exceeds ordinary stars and may dominate the evening sky for months at a time. Observers unfamiliar with astronomy frequently describe it as a stationary light, a hovering craft or an object that appears unusually large because brightness is often mistaken for physical size. Astronomical organisations and science communicators have repeatedly highlighted Jupiter as a common source of UFO reports. [Sky at Night Magazine]skyatnightmagazine.comSky at Night Magazine17 things commonly mistaken for UFOsVenus is so bright it's often mistaken for the landing lights of an aeroplane…. Bright, orangey red Jupiter is another planet frequent… [NASA Science]science.nasa.govidentifying ufos and uapsNASA ScienceIdentifying UFOs and UAPs1 Dec 2013 — Sirius and Jupiter are also often reported as UFOs, as well as Mercury. When bright pla…
Sirius presents a different kind of challenge. As the brightest star visible from Earth, it can attract attention even from people who rarely observe the night sky. Unlike Jupiter, which normally shines with a relatively steady light, Sirius often appears to flash multiple colours, pulse or jitter when viewed through thick layers of atmosphere near the horizon. These effects can create witness descriptions that sound far more exotic than a simple star. [Universe Today]universetoday.comUniverse Today Sirius, UFO trickster extraordinaireUniverse TodaySirius, UFO trickster extraordinaireMarch 23, 2014 — 23 Mar 2014 — Sirius has attained UFO status for several good reasons… [Big Think]bigthink.comscience ufo sightingsAsk Ethan: Can science explain UFO sightings?24 Mar 2023 — What appears to be a UFO that changes color spectacularly is simply the night…
Other stars occasionally examined during UFO investigations include:
- Arcturus
- Capella
- Canopus
However, Sirius and Jupiter appear disproportionately often because of their exceptional brightness and their tendency to be noticed by casual observers.
How Stars and Planets Differ in Chart Checks
A useful sky-chart investigation does more than ask whether a bright object occupied the correct part of the sky. It also examines whether the reported behaviour fits a planet or a star.
Jupiter’s Typical Signature
Jupiter generally produces reports with several recurring features:
- A bright white or slightly yellow light.
- Apparent hovering for long periods.
- Slow movement relative to the horizon over hours rather than minutes.
- Visibility over many consecutive nights.
- Reports concentrated during periods when Jupiter is especially bright or prominent.
Because planets move against the background stars from month to month, investigators can often test a witness account by recreating the sky for the specific date and location. If Jupiter occupied the reported bearing and altitude, the match becomes significant. NASA specifically identifies Jupiter as one of the celestial objects most often confused with UFOs. [NASA Science]science.nasa.govidentifying ufos and uapsNASA ScienceIdentifying UFOs and UAPs1 Dec 2013 — Sirius and Jupiter are also often reported as UFOs, as well as Mercury. When bright pla…
Sirius’s Typical Signature
Sirius produces a different pattern of reports. Witnesses often describe:
- Rapid colour changes.
- Flashing red, blue, green or white light.
- Apparent zig-zagging or darting motion.
- A shimmering or pulsating appearance.
These effects are usually caused by atmospheric scintillation, the distortion of starlight as it passes through turbulent air. The effect becomes strongest when Sirius is low above the horizon, where observers look through a thicker layer of atmosphere. The star itself is not changing colour or moving rapidly; the atmosphere is creating the illusion. Reddit [Universe Today]universetoday.comUniverse Today Sirius, UFO trickster extraordinaireUniverse TodaySirius, UFO trickster extraordinaireMarch 23, 2014 — 23 Mar 2014 — Sirius has attained UFO status for several good reasons… [Big Think]bigthink.comscience ufo sightingsAsk Ethan: Can science explain UFO sightings?24 Mar 2023 — What appears to be a UFO that changes color spectacularly is simply the night…
This distinction matters because a report describing dramatic flashing and colour shifts may fit Sirius far better than Jupiter, even if both objects were present somewhere in the sky.
Why Low-Horizon Objects Generate Strong False Matches
Many strong astronomical explanations arise when a bright object is close to the horizon.
Near the horizon, atmospheric turbulence can make planets and stars appear unstable, enlarged or mobile. Astronomers have repeatedly warned that bright planetary groupings low in the sky can generate UFO reports because observers perceive distortion effects as object motion. During close Jupiter–Venus conjunctions, for example, both planets have been cited as likely sources of mistaken UFO sightings. [The Guardian]theguardian.comjupiter venus align mondaymistake them for a UFO, especially being so low down. They might appear to move around because of the distortion effect of the atmosphere… [Space]space.com14884 jupiter venus mistaken ufosSpaceJupiter and Venus 'Could Be Mistaken for UFOs'13 Mar 2012 — Because Venus orbits the sun inside our own orbit, from our perspective… [Live Science]livescience.com33766 jupiter venus mistaken ufosJupiter and Venus 'Could Be Mistaken for UFOs'13 Mar 2012 — Massey said that Jupiter and Venus will be visible right after sunset in the…
For Sirius, horizon effects are even more dramatic. The star’s brightness combined with atmospheric turbulence can create rapid colour flashes and apparent movement that are difficult to interpret without astronomical knowledge. Investigators therefore pay special attention when witnesses report a bright, multicoloured object near the horizon that remained visible for a long time. [Universe Today]universetoday.comUniverse Today Sirius, UFO trickster extraordinaireUniverse TodaySirius, UFO trickster extraordinaireMarch 23, 2014 — 23 Mar 2014 — Sirius has attained UFO status for several good reasons… [Big Think]bigthink.comscience ufo sightingsAsk Ethan: Can science explain UFO sightings?24 Mar 2023 — What appears to be a UFO that changes color spectacularly is simply the night…
A chart match becomes stronger when the object’s altitude was low enough for these known distortions to occur.
Common Weak Matches and False Positives
Not every bright object explanation is convincing. Investigators regularly encounter weak astronomical matches that fail under closer examination.
Correct Object, Wrong Direction
A chart may show Jupiter was visible that night, but if it was in the south-west while the witness consistently reported the north-east, the explanation is weak. Direction must match as well as brightness.
Correct Direction, Wrong Duration
Stars and planets remain visible for predictable periods. If a witness observed an object for only a few seconds before it accelerated away or vanished behind cloud cover, a celestial explanation may fit poorly unless other circumstances account for the discrepancy.
Brightness Alone
Some investigations stop after identifying a bright planet in the general area of the sky. This can create false positives. A valid identification should compare:
- Bearing.
- Elevation.
- Time.
- Brightness.
- Duration.
- Reported behaviour.
Matching only one factor is not enough.
Multiple-Light Formations
NASA notes that bright planets aligned near the horizon can sometimes appear as a formation of unusual lights rather than a single object. In such cases, investigators must verify whether several bright celestial bodies occupied the reported positions simultaneously rather than forcing a one-object explanation. [NASA Science]science.nasa.govidentifying ufos and uapsNASA ScienceIdentifying UFOs and UAPs1 Dec 2013 — Sirius and Jupiter are also often reported as UFOs, as well as Mercury. When bright pla…
What Makes a Strong Jupiter or Sirius Identification
The strongest astronomical identifications are cumulative. A UFO report becomes increasingly consistent with Jupiter or Sirius when several independent details align:
- The object occupied the charted position.
- It matched the expected brightness.
- It remained visible for the expected length of time.
- Its reported colours and motion match known atmospheric effects.
- Independent observers at nearby locations saw the same celestial object.
When these factors converge, Jupiter or Sirius can explain reports that initially seem highly unusual. When they do not, investigators typically move on to other possibilities rather than treating every bright light as an automatic planetary or stellar match. The value of the sky chart lies not in proving that a witness saw a planet or star, but in testing whether the reported object behaved as that planet or star should have behaved at that exact moment.
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Further Reading
Books and field guides related to When Jupiter or Sirius Looks Unidentified. Use these as the next step if you want deeper reading beyond the article.
NightWatch
Directly helps readers recognise bright planets and stars that can be mistaken for UFOs.
Turn Left at Orion
Useful for distinguishing celestial objects from anomalous reports.
The Backyard Astronomer's Guide
Provides broader context for identifying Jupiter, Sirius and other conspicuous sky objects.
The UFO Experience
Shows how bright astronomical objects entered UFO case evaluations.
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Endnotes
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Source: science.nasa.gov
Title: identifying ufos and uaps
Link: https://science.nasa.gov/solar-system/skywatching/night-sky-network/identifying-ufos-and-uaps/Source snippet
NASA ScienceIdentifying UFOs and UAPs1 Dec 2013 — Sirius and Jupiter are also often reported as UFOs, as well as Mercury. When bright pla...
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Source: nightsky.jpl.nasa.gov
Link: https://nightsky.jpl.nasa.gov/news/39/Source snippet
Night Sky NetworkIdentifying UFOs and UAPs1 Dec 2013 — Sirius and Jupiter are also often reported as UFOs, as well as Mercury. When brigh...
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Source: reddit.com
Title: This is the star Sirius, up close and blurry
Link: https://www.reddit.com/r/UFOs/comments/1hbe6ha/this_is_the_star_sirius_up_close_and_blurry_for/Source snippet
For reference...Sirius twinkles due to the light passing through the atmosphere, and is more obvious when it is low on the horizon. Curr...
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Source: reddit.com
Link: https://www.reddit.com/r/askastronomy/comments/1fhig5z/a_flickering_object_in_the_northern_hemisphere/Source snippet
A “flickering” object in the northern hemisphere: r/askastronomyAlso, it is sitting relatively low in the sky which means you're looking...
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Source: space.com
Title: 14884 jupiter venus mistaken ufos
Link: https://www.space.com/14884-jupiter-venus-mistaken-ufos.htmlSource snippet
SpaceJupiter and Venus 'Could Be Mistaken for UFOs'13 Mar 2012 — Because Venus orbits the sun inside our own orbit, from our perspective...
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Source: youtube.com
Title: Jupiter and Venus ‘could be mistaken for UFOs’
Link: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=P-ymwG9mDhESource snippet
Jupiter and Venus are being mistaken as UFO...
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Source: skyatnightmagazine.com
Title: Sky at Night Magazine17 things commonly mistaken for UFOs
Link: https://www.skyatnightmagazine.com/space-science/things-mistaken-for-ufosSource snippet
Venus is so bright it's often mistaken for the [landing lights]({{ 'landing-lights/' | relative_url }}) of an aeroplane.... Bright, orangey red Jupiter is another planet frequent...
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Source: universetoday.com
Title: Universe Today Sirius, UFO trickster extraordinaire
Link: https://www.universetoday.com/articles/sirius-ufo-trickster-extraordinaireSource snippet
Universe TodaySirius, UFO trickster extraordinaireMarch 23, 2014 — 23 Mar 2014 — Sirius has attained UFO status for several good reasons...
Published: March 23, 2014
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Source: bigthink.com
Title: science ufo sightings
Link: https://bigthink.com/starts-with-a-bang/science-ufo-sightings/Source snippet
Ask Ethan: Can science explain UFO sightings?24 Mar 2023 — What appears to be a UFO that changes color spectacularly is simply the night...
-
Source: livescience.com
Title: 33766 jupiter venus mistaken ufos
Link: https://www.livescience.com/33766-jupiter-venus-mistaken-ufos.htmlSource snippet
Jupiter and Venus 'Could Be Mistaken for UFOs'13 Mar 2012 — Massey said that Jupiter and Venus will be visible right after sunset in the...
-
Source: theguardian.com
Title: jupiter venus align monday
Link: https://www.theguardian.com/science/2014/aug/15/jupiter-venus-align-mondaySource snippet
mistake them for a UFO, especially being so low down. They might appear to move around because of the distortion effect of the atmosphere...
Additional References
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Source: sky-lens.com
Link: https://sky-lens.com/guideSource snippet
Night Sky Observer's Field GuideOrion and Sirius dominate the southern sky, generating peak scintillation-misidentification reports. Seas...
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Source: republicworld.com
Link: https://www.republicworld.com/science/ex-nasa-astronaut-describes-close-call-with-2-metallic-spherical-ufos-at-9000-feetSource snippet
Ex-NASA Astronaut Describes Close Call With '2 Metallic...22 Dec 2024 — Dave Prosper of the Astronomical Society of the Pacific said, “B...
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Source: universemagazine.com
Title: known flying objects sky phenomena we often mistake for ufos
Link: https://universemagazine.com/en/known-flying-objects-sky-phenomena-we-often-mistake-for-ufos/?srsltid=AfmBOoplmLykZ1ybRHZzRy_PF0YAk8K13Mz3MmLXVIUQE6RhEweDEJzrSource snippet
Known Flying Objects: Sky Phenomena We Often Mistake...12 Oct 2024 — In this article, we delve into the subject of UFOs, particularly th...
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Source: facebook.com
Title: the brightest star in our night sky ✨ Start with Orion
Link: https://www.facebook.com/astroventures/posts/-find-sirius-the-brightest-star-in-our-night-sky-start-with-orionspot-the-three-/1453363786794737/Source snippet
a visual apparent magnitude of −1.46, Sirius is almost twice as bright as Canopus, the next brightest star. Distance to Eart...
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Source: facebook.com
Title: ⭐ Sirius is the brightest star in the night sky
Link: https://www.facebook.com/highlandastrotours/posts/-sirius-is-the-brightest-star-in-the-night-sky-during-winter-at-mid-to-high-nort/1465877895545445/Source snippet
During winter...The brightness, twinkling and color changes sometimes prompt people to report Sirius as a UFO! In fact, these changes ar...
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Source: facebook.com
Link: https://www.facebook.com/wirralglobe/posts/i-do-not-believe-these-reports-are-misidentifications-of-venus-jupiter-aircraft-/1499950764979200/Source snippet
They're the planets Venus and Jupiter. ⭐️ #venus #jupiter.Read more...
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Source: medium.com
Link: https://medium.com/starts-with-a-bang/ask-ethan-can-science-explain-ufo-sightings-99cae1fba3aSource snippet
test planet in Earth's night sky: Venus. Press enter...Read more...
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Source: sky-lens.com
Title: Common Confusables — The Usual Suspects
Link: https://sky-lens.com/guide/common-confusablesSource snippet
Sky LensNASA's public guidance identifies Venus, Sirius, Jupiter, and Mercury as the most frequently misidentified objects, and notes tha...
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Source: facebook.com
Link: https://www.facebook.com/groups/552059654373970/posts/567891572790778/Source snippet
er star am I tripping? I zoomed into other stars too but...
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Source: syfy.com
Title: why storms on jupiter look like ufos
Link: https://www.syfy.com/syfy-wire/why-storms-on-jupiter-look-like-ufosSource snippet
Now we know why the UFO-like storms on Jupiter look...27 Sept 2020 — Jupiter's alien storms stay alive by feeding off the heat of Jupite...
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