I keep seeing this red light that appears randomly from my neighbor’s direction, usually at night. It’s a round, defined red light—not spread out—big enough to see clearly from 70-100 feet away. It comes on quickly and disappears just as fast, so I haven’t managed to get a photo of it. Anyone have ideas on what this could be?
Well, unless your neighbor’s house is a boat, plane, or train…
How long does it stay on? Always in the same spot? And does it move?
Does it seem related to their coming or going? Could be a flashlight, or maybe it’s happening during the day too, but red light is hard to spot in daylight.
Or… maybe aliens?
@Oak
Haha, no boat or aliens!
It lasts a second or two, almost like it’s triggered. It’s hard to say if it’s in the exact same spot, but it’s always in the same 10x10 area. It doesn’t move, which made me think it wasn’t a flashlight. I’m not spying on my neighbors, so I don’t know if it’s happening more often. I just noticed it because it’s bright and really stands out when it happens.
Definitely gave me a start when I saw it!
@Merlin
Aliens confirmed then!
Probably a motion sensor or camera… or maybe mind control laser?
Maybe you’re overthinking this. Most likely, it’s a motion sensor on a security system that has a small red indicator. They’re pretty common.
Could also be something like a smoke detector, or just a regular device with a status light like a TV, computer, or even a router.
@Quincy
Nah, it’s definitely something different. I’m familiar with the red light on their Blink cameras, but this is much bigger and not the same as a low battery blink. It’s a larger, steady red light that’s just there for a second and then disappears.
@Merlin
Could it be a toy or maybe a Wi-Fi extender reconnecting?
Quincy said:
@Merlin
Could it be a toy or maybe a Wi-Fi extender reconnecting?
No kids, and they’re elderly. Not a router either. It’s big and really red, like a flashlight size but it doesn’t move and has no scattered light. It’s above my fence line too… or maybe I have a red flashlight-wielding alien in my yard! 
This has me thinking of installing a random red light just to mess with nosy neighbors. Thanks for the idea!
Ollie said:
This has me thinking of installing a random red light just to mess with nosy neighbors. Thanks for the idea!
Haha! I should’ve thought of it myself! My neighbors are super nosy—always peeking over the fence, and they even have their Blink cam pointed halfway into my yard. I only noticed this light because it’s so bright it came right into my door.
Plus, my dog was growling right before it showed up.
Could it be their car brake light?
Could be some kind of system that emits a signal when it’s deactivated, which can be visible from outside.
Honestly, it might be best to ignore things like this.
Remington said:
Honestly, it might be best to ignore things like this.
Just trying to explore logical reasons, especially since I know it’s not their cameras. We’ve had break-ins in the area, and my dog gets upset when it happens. Our backyards share a fence, and there’s no one else around.
@Merlin
I understand, no offense meant. Just giving you honest feedback since you asked!