flashes in the night sky

I do not know what they are, but am certain they are not of nature.

Between 10:30 and 11:00 I took my puppy out for his final relief before bedding down.

It was under a perfectly clear, starry sky.

Due south, in the mostly uninhabited Bitterroot Mountains I thought I saw a brilliant flash of light.

No clouds. No thunder. Just a ball of brilliant light from a great distance to the south.

Now I am pondering and paying attention.

Several of them followed. I was not timing or recording, but every 3 to 5 minutes another ball of light greater than the biggest lightening flashes I have seen, but with no sound; no thunder following.

I have no answers. Maybe some fake news will explain it to me in the morning.