NUFORC Sighting 39205

Occurred: 2004-09-05 22:00 Local
Reported: 2004-09-09 14:26 Pacific
Duration: 15-20 sec
No of observers: 2

Location: San Francisco, CA, USA

Shape: Light

Satellite-like light in night sky making unexpected direction and speed changes

I and my friend, both of us scientists working in biotech and quite sober at the time, were sitting outside on an unusually warm evening looking up at the stars. I noticed a moving light the shape and intensity of a small star, and at first concluded that it was a satellite since it initially had a velocity typical of satellites. However, to my surprise the light decelerated, and changed direction about 90 degrees for a certain distance. At this time I pointed the light out to my friend who witnessed the rest of the event with me. The light changed direction back again about 90 degrees so that it was more or less heading along its original trajectory (going north-to-south), and continued on and out of sight (unfortunately lots of light pollution in the city!).

Posted 2004-09-29