DID YOU KNOW?!
On the evening of March 13, 1997, a remarkable and widely viewed event unfolded in the skies over Arizona and Nevada, reaching as far as New Mexico and Sonora, Mexico. Known as the Phoenix Lights, this incident is one of the most credible and well-documented UFO sightings, capturing the attention of the world in the early days of the Internet Age.
Initial Sightings
The first recorded sighting occurred around 7:55 PM in Henderson, Nevada. A witness described a large V-shaped object with six lights along its underside, moving southeastward, resembling the size of a 747 jet. Twenty minutes later, in Paulden, Arizona, a police officer reported seeing five reddish or orange lights in a V-formation, moving northward.
The Blitz of Reports
Following these initial sightings, a flood of calls reported strange lights and objects in the sky. The National UFO Reporting Centers, various police departments, Luke Air Force Base, and media outlets received numerous reports. These descriptions often mentioned a solid structure, blocking out stars as it passed, indicating the presence of a large object rather than just lights.
Diverse Witness Accounts
Accounts from different locations described varying aspects of the phenomenon. Some witnesses reported a cluster of lights in triangular formations, others a wedge-shaped craft, and yet others described it as resembling a sergeant's stripes. A significant sighting in Dewey, Arizona, described the object as so large that even at arm's length, a clenched fist couldn’t cover it.
Mysterious Details
Many witnesses emphasized the absolute silence of the object, despite its massive size and low altitude. There were also reports of smaller, seemingly associated crafts and activities, such as a light beam being fired to the ground and lights detaching then re-docking with the main craft.
Official Responses and Theories
The event sparked responses from politicians and was the subject of numerous theories. The military, through Luke Air Force Base, claimed the sightings were flares from A-10 Warthog aircraft. However, this explanation has been widely disputed as it does not account for the sightings' timing, motion, and formations.
Former Governor's Testimony
Adding to the intrigue, former Arizona Governor Fife Symington, who initially mocked the incident, later admitted to witnessing a huge craft himself, believing it to be of non-military origin and possibly an advanced alien craft.
Dr. Lynne Kitei's Experience
Dr. Lynne Kitei, a witness to the Phoenix Lights, had experienced similar sightings in 1995 and January 1997. Her accounts, like many others, mentioned distinct characteristics of the lights and a feeling of intelligence behind them.
Public Reaction and Media Coverage
The event was estimated to have been witnessed by over 10,000 people. Interestingly, despite the potential for fear, reports from the public were void of panic, raising questions about the purpose of this display and the general public’s readiness for extraterrestrial encounters. The print media's initial silence on the event, despite the potential for sensationalist headlines, also fueled speculation about a cover-up.
Later Sightings and Ongoing Mystery
Subsequent sightings in 2007 and 2008, though less impactful, mirrored some aspects of the 1997 incident but lacked the same level of attention. These events left many questions unanswered, maintaining the mystery and intrigue surrounding the Phoenix Lights.
Conclusion
The 1997 Phoenix Lights phenomenon remains one of the most intriguing and unexplained events in UFO history. Despite various theories and explanations, the true nature and origin of these lights continue to be a topic of debate and fascination.
As Always, Thanks For Reading
Rick
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References
UFO Insight: The 1997 Phoenix Lights Incident.
National UFO Reporting Center Reports