[cogitator]

The eruptions are all probably a billion or so light-year away, Ricker said.

Clearly extra-galactic. The Andromeda Galaxy is two million light years away. VERY unlikely to be naked-eye visible.

Thanks for the extra info.

[PatrickHenry]

Clearly extra-galactic.

You never know. Those sneaky aliens probably have some kind of exotic after-burner on their ships to redshift their exhaust. That way, no one will suspect how close they are.