bright object bacame 8 separate objects and flew off in separate directions

I noticed a large bright object to the north of my position. I thought that it may be a planet but it was very bright. I watched it and aproximately after 1 minute, the bright object became 7-8 smaller objects which flew in a downward motion then outward and up, in a J fashion and disappeared. The motion resembled an upsidedown open umbrella. All lights moved in a synchonized fashion. My first thought that an aerobatics team such as the Blue Angels or the Snowbirds were rehearsing. The next day at work I checked the NOTAM (notices to airmen) Board. There were no practices in our airspace on that date and no airshows scheduled around that time. I was working in Air Traffic Services at the time.
Time and date are approximate.  PD