NUFORC Sighting 03991

Occurred: 1998-09-23 21:10 Local
Reported: 1998-09-24 00:00 Pacific
Duration: 3-5 seconds
No of observers: 1

Location: Bothell (south of), WA, USA

Shape: Light
Characteristics: Aura or haze around object, Left a trail, Changed Color, Aircraft nearby

Object entered atmosphere from above, traveling east to west.

Object entered atmosphere from just east of top dead center, traveling east to west. Object appeared to have a direct trajectory of 20 degrees downward as it traveled. Initially appeared to be a meteorite, but blossomed into fireball within a half second of being spotted. Fireball developed, appeared to be white/greenish white. Looked reminiscent of re-entry of manned space capsules seen in pictures. Appeared to be eminating from center of object and fanning out to the rear. Object moved relatively slow compared to the quick meteorites seen in shower months. Object appeared to burn out, dimming in intensity and just before extinguishment appeared to have several apparent red embers floating behind it. From south of Bothell, elevated at approximately 75 ASL, it appeared as one looks directly south, the bearing was from 160 degrees on the compass going to approximately 250 degrees. There was an aircraft on final for SeaTac who would have had an excellent view of the object, appearing to be about even with the 520 bridge on their approach. The light as it extinguished appeared to be at an altitude well above the airliner on approach. No other aircraft were noted to be in the area at the time. The object, for reference, seemed at it's biggest, to be about 33% the size of a full moon as it is typically seen overhead. The observer is a former military electronics technician, with some aviation experience, and on track to earn his private pilot wings in second quarter '99. The observer was standing outside with a clear view, on a clear night, with no obstructions impeding the event.

Posted 1998-09-26

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