NUFORC Sighting 70890

Occurred: 2009-07-04 22:38 Local
Reported: 2009-07-05 11:43 Pacific
Duration: 7 minutes
No of observers: 2

Location: Chester, WV, USA

Shape: Light

Observed steady, stationary red light in the sky for several minutes; pulsed & disappeared in 3-4 seconds

I looked out of my kitchen window at approx 10:38pm est and noticed a stationary red light in the sky toward the west (it was definitely not moving, as it remained in the same spot in relation to the window frame). It was not pulsing, twinkling, or flashing, but remained steady. It was larger than a star or a planet (4x approx) (it reminded me of a warning light at the top of a cell tower, but it was much, much higher in the sky). I went outside to observe further. There was a very thin and broken cloud cover, and I could see that it was well above that. The light was very bright red and the clouds never obscured it. I watched it for about 6 minutes (looked through binoculars also, but it still just looked like a steady, round red light).

As I continued to watch, the light slowly started to move (3 or 4 seconds, eastern direction), then it pulsed rapidly and moved rapidly (southern direction, still pulsing) and was gone in another 3 or 4 seconds. It didn’t gradually fade out of sight, but rather seemed to disappear as if it had been shot out of a cannon. Viewing concluded at 10:45pm.

This occurred well after our small town's fireworks display was over. I live away from city lights or anything that would distort the night sky. I am approx 30 miles from Pittsburgh International Airport and see aircraft with landing lights on daily. What I saw was not an airplane, and was not in or near the normal traffic patterns. I don't drink alcohol or take any medications.

Posted 2009-08-05