Large orange ball traveled fast in night sky and then disappeared

I am writing to report an old sighting because I am still curious as to what it might be.  It did not appear to be an alien craft but I would guess a strange natural phenomenon or light play.  I’m sorry I don’t even remember how long ago or the time of year it was.
 Maybe 20 years ago, a friend and I were standing in her driveway at night (definitely dark).  We both saw an orange ball travel fast from east to west for just a few seconds and then disappear in the middle of the sky.  It was fairly low in the sky and was traveling just above the school building we could see about 1/4 of a mile away.  It had the strength of color and glow of the setting sun.  It appeared large although we had no reference point as to its size.
 At the time I had no idea who to call to ask what it may have been.  We were in Potomac, Maryland about 20 miles northwest of Washington, DC.
Witness indicates that date of incident is approximate.  PD