Unidentified Lights
© Hawke's Bay TodayUnidentified: Lights seen moving north over Hastings on Saturday stayed in a straight line and moved at a constant speed.
Four lights moving steadily across the night sky have Hastings resident John Miller searching for answers.

Mr Miller was called outside by his son about 7.15pm on Saturday to see four orb-like lights moving across the sky. They appeared to be in formation in a straight line, moving at a constant speed from south to north.

There was no sound coming from them and the lights were not flashing so he did not think it came from an aeroplane.

"I'm looking for a rational explanation but I don't know what it could be," Mr Miller said. "It was just amazing. It wasn't stars or planets so you're left with the other conclusion."

Local astronomer and Hawke's Bay Holt Planetarium director Gary Sparks could not offer a definitive answer but said satellites passing over could be visible from the city.

A satellite was expected to go over the region about 6.15pm and another at 7.38pm on Saturday evening. A single satellite would not make four lights unless the light was reflecting in the atmosphere, Mr Sparks said.

In previous years, Chinese lanterns containing a candle had been released and been spotted in the night sky. If the wind was constant and the lanterns were released at the same time, they may appear to move in formation.

The Airways Corporation, which manages the air space over New Zealand, had no reports of unusual activity in the area.

Did you see the unusual lights or have more information? Email news@hbtoday.co.nz or call 873 0810.