Date: January 17, 2023

Location: Wilmington, North Carolina

Driving north wilmington nc around 440pm. Saw what appeared to be a (the only) star. Then suddenly the star grew to very bright light and circular but still looked far away. Clear sky, not plane landing light. I am a pilot. Lots of traffic no way anyone else didn't see that. Disappeared after bright 4 or 5 sec as if a large bulb powered down. Silverish in color Unusual and interesting. Very bright.