NUFORC Sighting 89818

Occurred: 2012-06-16 23:47 Local
Reported: 2012-06-21 07:50 Pacific
Duration: 6-8 seconds
No of observers: 1

Location: Niskayuna, NY, USA

Shape: Light
Characteristics: Lights on object

Bright white light / Extreme Acceleration

Date: 06/16/12 Time: 11:46 pm Location: Niskayuna, NY Latitude = 42.8177, Longitude = -73.9013 Weather: Clear skies, Crescent Moon Object: Bright solid light moving West to East Height: Approx 35,000 – 40,000ft Speed: Approximately 1200mph (Based on avg commercial jet speed of 575mph) Angle of View: Approximately 70 degree angle facing North with respect to the horizon Sound: None Sitting outside and looking at the stars, I noticed a solid bright white light moving from West to East at approximately the height of a commercial aircraft, but without any discernible flashing lights. I watched the light move across the sky in a fluid motion for approximately 6 seconds at a rate of speed estimated to be twice that of a commercial jet. At that point, the light flashed once (again white) and I watched the light shoot away at an extremely high rate of speed. The light did not disappear, but appeared like a tracer being shot out of a military weapon till I quickly lost sight of it behind a tree.

I had though initially I was viewing a satellite (which I have seen before and could recognize), but when it flashed and shot off, I was stunned. I am at a loss to explain what I saw and in the process of contacting our local airport to see if they have any explanations or if there is any radar data to support what I saw that night.

If I hear anything back from the airport, I will follow up with you also. Thanks again for your hard work and efforts!

Posted 2012-07-04