Head-on motion hides sideways movement
An aircraft flying almost directly toward an observer can change distance rapidly while barely changing its angle against the stars. That makes it appear stationary until the geometry changes, after which it may suddenly start moving sideways across the sky.
Repeating strobes are highly informative
Regular white strobes or alternating navigation-light colors strongly favor an aircraft explanation over a planet or satellite. Stars can scintillate irregularly through turbulence, but they do not produce a disciplined aviation-style flash pattern.
Near-horizon atmosphere exaggerates flicker
Low elevation increases the amount of atmosphere the light crosses. Turbulence can make a bright star flash red, green and white, so the key distinction is whether the object also changes position or has a steady repeating flash cadence.
Current ADS-B can settle many cases quickly
For sightings occurring now, Sky Event Radar looks for nearby aircraft and reports the closest candidates with distance, bearing, altitude and speed. Historical sightings are deliberately not compared with current planes because that would create false evidence.
Verify it with data
Use the Sky Event Radar checker with the actual location and time. The result can compare the observation pattern with modeled weather, current aircraft when applicable, NASA/JPL large-fireball records, NOAA aurora context, launch timing and local sky geometry. Missing feeds remain explicitly unknown.
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