Võltsetähtis

Võltsetähtis, also known as a fake star or counterfeit star, refers to a celestial object that appears to be a star but is not. These objects can be mistaken for stars due to their brightness and apparent motion across the night sky. They are often man-made and can include satellites, space debris, and even aircraft. Satellites, for instance, are artificial objects placed into orbit around the Earth or other celestial bodies. They can appear as moving points of light in the night sky and are often visible to the naked eye, especially those in low Earth orbit. Space debris, on the other hand, consists of defunct satellites, spent rocket stages, and fragments from disintegration, erosion, and collisions. These can also appear as moving lights in the sky. Aircraft, particularly those with bright lights or flying at high altitudes, can also be mistaken for stars. These objects are not stars but are often referred to as võltsetähtis due to their similar appearance. Identifying võltsetähtis can be challenging, especially for those without a background in astronomy. However, with practice and knowledge of the night sky, it is possible to distinguish these objects from genuine stars.