What observation suggests a light source is more likely an aircraft or drone than an unpowered satellite?

Answer

It stops, hovers, or navigates in a non-linear path

Lights that stop, hover, or follow paths that are not straight lines are indicative of terrestrial flying machines like aircraft or drones, unlike the steady movement of an unpowered satellite.

What observation suggests a light source is more likely an aircraft or drone than an unpowered satellite?

#Videos

What's that bright star-like thing in the night sky? - YouTube

lightobservationskycelestial bodybrightness