Light Phenomenon over Newent

Sighting Account

At approximately 22:36 on 14 August 2025, while at home on the patio the witness observed an unusual light phenomenon in the night sky. The object was first noticed after being called outside by his wife, who had initially spotted it.

The phenomenon appeared at a low elevation of around 20° on a heading of 187° and tracked directly overhead, passing across the sky in approximately one minute before disappearing from view behind the farmhouse. The altitude was perceived as high, with no accompanying sound.

The object itself was described not as a solid craft, but as an elongated trail of light, comparable in form to a comet tail. Unlike a comet or meteor, however, the brightness did not fade towards the rear. Instead, the elongated light appeared uniform and aligned with the direction of travel. The apparent length was estimated as roughly equal to the witness’s index finger held at arm’s length along the line of travel — around seven times the apparent size of the full Moon, though very thin like a contrail.

The brightness was likened to the North Star, glowing clearly white against a mild, clear night sky with no cloud cover. No physical object was seen, only the elongated trail of light itself.

Astronomical

Using Stellarium, a free sky-mapping program that allows accurate reconstruction of the positions of stars, planets, and satellites for any chosen date, time, and location, I was able to verify the witness account. For the reported date, time, and location of the sighting, Stellarium confirms that Starlink satellites were visible in this part of the night sky.

One of the most common sources of UFO misidentifications in recent years is the Starlink satellite network operated by SpaceX. These satellites are often launched in groups and travel in a straight line or "train" formation. To the observer they can appear as a series of bright stars or orbs moving steadily across the sky and sometimes seeming to emerge from nowhere. Their brightness can vary under certain conditions and they may seem unusually bright or appear to pulse as they move. Starlink satellites follow predictable low Earth orbits and travel at a constant speed but their appearance when grouped together often surprises witnesses unfamiliar with satellite movements. There are around 7,600 Starlink Satellites in orbit.

Resources

Starlink Tracker www.findstarlink.com

Astronomy & Observing News www.skyandtelescope.org

LEO Satellites Information https://nssdc.gsfc.nasa.gov

Night Sky Viewer www.stellarium.org

Weather

Although clear conditions were reported at the time of the sighting, historic weather data for the Newent area indicates that the evening was characterised by scattered and passing clouds, with a slightly hazy atmosphere and relatively high humidity. Atmospheric conditions can significantly influence how objects appear in the night sky. In these conditions objects such as satellites or stars are subject to light scattering, which can make them appear larger, blurred or even surrounded by a halo. These effects can amplify their brightness and in the case of a train of Starlink satellites, may cause the lights to appear as a continuous glowing trail rather than distinct points. Haze can also create colour shifts or distortions. These atmospheric effects can make the satellites appear far more unusual than they would under clear sky conditions.

Conclusion

Although several notable astronomical events were occurring on the evening of the sighting (including the Southern Aquariids, Northern Aquariids, Antihelion, and Capricornids meteor showers), the movement, appearance, and description provided by the witness most closely match a sighting of Starlink satellites. Using Stellarium and other satellite tracking tools it can be confirmed that multiple Starlink satellites were visible in that area of the sky at the time and moving in their characteristic train-like formation. It is also important to consider the effect of atmospheric conditions which can cause bright objects such as satellites to appear larger, distorted or more unusual. This visual distortion can easily enhance the UFOlike impression for a witness increasing the likelihood of misinterpretation as unidentified aerial phenomena.

James Bowen

BUFORA AI