this post was submitted on 30 Jun 2025
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Nah that article is about Venus being in a weird position where you can both see it around sunset and sunrise, usually it's one or the other. Venus visible at noon is a no-go except in something like a solar eclipse or a high altitude balloon or something.
It is possible to spot Venus during the day, if it's further away from the Sun (as viewed from Earth). It is bright enough to be visible during the day (just like the Moon and even the ISS and Jupiter under the right conditions), but is usually very close to the sun so it's completely blown out. When it is further from the Sun, it's a very noticeable crescent shape. So I doubt anyone would mistake it for a balloon, especially someone who has the job of watching the skies for such things.
And come to thing of it, how large did they think it was and how accurate can they shoot at long range with a boat? Even if it was a balloon, you wouldn't attack it from range right? You would wait for it to come closer and hit it with anti aircraft shells. It's just a very weird story.
I'd imagine they would be using binoculars with sun filters during the day, allowing them to see venus despite the sun's glare.
It is, but I still think it's plausible given the tech at the time. But yeah, definitely suspicious, I'd like more details/confirmation.