If you’ve ever gazed up at the horizon during dusk or dawn, you might have noticed the International Space Station (ISS) streaking across the sky at an impressive speed of 28,000 kilometers per hour (17,500 miles per hour). This breathtaking spectacle is made even more intriguing when you spot additional objects accompanying the ISS.

Recently, one Redditor, under the username Capa-riccia, shared a captivating experience. "I saw something following the ISS tonight," they posted, describing how they witnessed the ISS shining brightly in the night sky. Alongside it, they noticed a smaller white dot trailing closely—prompting a flurry of curiosity. "What could it be?" they pondered.

Others quickly chimed in, sharing similar sightings. A user named Chrisfromb recounted, “Damn, I saw these two objects yesterday night here in Italy at the coastline. My girlfriend and I were wondering if these are two satellites.” It’s incredible how these shared moments of wonder can connect people all around the globe.

So, what exactly was this mysterious object? Coincidentally, the sighting coincided with the Crew-9 mission's arrival at the ISS. This specific weekend marked an exciting moment as NASA astronaut Nick Hague and Roscosmos cosmonaut Aleksandr Gorbunov were docking at the space station, likely explaining the extra shimmer in the sky.

This docking was particularly significant due to the unusual circumstances surrounding the mission. While two astronauts were scheduled to join the crew, complications with Boeing’s Starliner spacecraft left two seats on the Dragon capsule empty. Those seats will be occupied by astronauts Suni Williams and Butch Wilmore when they return to Earth in February 2025.

For those stargazers who happened to be looking up, witnessing the docking from Earth must have been an unforgettable experience. Capa-riccia expressed their exhilaration, stating, "Wow! The docking is visible on the ISS live now app. Forgive my enthusiasm, but it’s the first time I witness something like that."

The ISS's journey continues to inspire awe and curiosity, reminding us how closely connected we are to the wonders of space. So the next time you find yourself under the night sky, keep your eyes peeled – there’s a whole universe above just waiting to be discovered!