The brightness of the first artificial satellite was 5-6m, ie, it was at the limit of visibility with the naked eye. Nevertheless

The brightness of the first artificial satellite was 5-6m, ie, it was at the limit of visibility with the naked eye. Nevertheless, many people assured that they saw a satellite moving across the sky, comparable in brightness to bright stars. How can this contradiction be resolved?

The third stage of the launch vehicle (LV), which put the satellite into orbit, also acquired the first space velocity. At first, both objects moved along the same trajectory and the time of their flight over this point coincided. The third stage of the launch vehicle was noticeably larger than the satellite itself and, therefore, brighter.