The Identification Decision Framework
Systematic observation beats guesswork. Follow this structured approach to avoid anchoring bias and produce reliable identifications.
Step 1 — Record Before You Interpret
Before deciding what you're seeing, document these raw observables using only what your senses tell you, without labelling:
Direction & Elevation
Compass bearing (use phone compass) and angle above horizon. "Low in the east" is imprecise. "Bearing 095°, elevation 15°" is actionable.
Motion Pattern
Steady line? Arc? Hovering? Rising/descending? Use a fixed reference to confirm motion is real (not autokinetic). Note angular speed: did it cross your fist-width at arm's length in 5 seconds or 5 minutes?
Light Characteristics
How many lights? What colours? Steady or flashing? If flashing: how fast? Regular or irregular? Note if colours appear to change (scintillation?).
Sound
Completely silent? Faint buzz? Rumble? Rhythmic beat? Note the delay between visual and audio cues. Record ambient noise level — wind, traffic, music — which may mask a faint source.
Step 2 — Apply Discriminators
Simplified rapid-ID flowchart — use in the field for first-pass classification
Step 3 — Cross-Reference
Use Sky Lens or similar tools to match your observation time, location, and direction against known aircraft positions (ADS-B), satellite passes (TLE data), and celestial objects (ephemeris). The goal is to either confirm a candidate or rule everything out — which is itself valuable intelligence.
Cross-reference your sky observation against live ADS-B data, satellite passes, and weather.
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