The blinking lights you see in the night sky can have different explanations depending on their characteristics and context. Here are a few possibilities:
Stars: Stars in the night sky often appear as steady points of light, but under certain atmospheric conditions, they can appear to twinkle or flicker. This effect is caused by the Earth's atmosphere refracting and distorting the starlight as it passes through different layers of air.
Aircraft: Airplanes and helicopters have blinking lights that are required for navigation and safety purposes. These lights may appear to blink or flash as the aircraft moves across the sky. The color and pattern of the lights can vary depending on the type of aircraft and its position relative to the observer.
Satellites: Satellites, particularly those in low Earth orbit, can be visible as moving points of light in the night sky. Some satellites have reflective surfaces or solar panels that catch sunlight and cause them to appear to blink or flash as they move. These blinking lights usually follow a straight or slightly curved path across the sky at a steady speed.
Drones: With the increasing popularity of drones, you may see blinking lights in the sky that correspond to these unmanned aerial vehicles. Drones often have LED lights that indicate their position and status. The lights can vary in color and pattern depending on the drone model.
Other Atmospheric Phenomena: In certain atmospheric conditions, you might observe phenomena like meteors, which can appear as fast-moving streaks of light across the sky. Additionally, atmospheric optical phenomena like iridium flares (caused by the reflection of sunlight off the antennae of Iridium communication satellites) or even the International Space Station passing overhead can create brief flashes or bursts of light.
It's important to note that without more specific information about the characteristics and context of the blinking lights you are referring to, it's challenging to provide an exact explanation. If you have a particular sighting in mind or notice something unusual, you can provide more details for a more accurate identification.