posted on May, 16 2007 @ 11:54 PM
I'm not doubting that you saw something, UK.
As the gentleposter above me mentioned (thanks, Phoenix!), I was simply pointing out that if you don't know the altitude *or* the size of the
aircraft, then you really can't make dead accurate comments about either size or altitude based on looks. You need some external information to lock
down one or the other...something like a cloud deck known to be at a certain altitude, or another object of known size at something near the same
altitude.
If you could see the USAF star, even with binoculars, I'd be willing to bet that what you saw was a very low-flying B-2. Here's why: The B-2 (and in
fact, most USAF combat aircraft) use low-visibility national markings, as do most secret mission aircraft (if they carry any at all). They aren't
easy to find in broad daylight, never mind on a night overflight. Thus, if could make out the USAF insignia, the plane had to be low. You might not
realize *how* low, because the B-2 is a deceptive beast to more than radar. The engine exhausts are muffled, so there isn't as much engine noise as
you'd expect...which will fool your ears into thinking the plane is higher than it is. The shape isn't conventional, which can play tricks on
perception as well.
Part of me would like to lose that bet, by the way.
Looking forward to any photographs you might be able to get from your plane-spotting friends!
They should be able to shed some light on whatever it was.