NUFORC Sighting 13574

Occurred: 2000-07-22 22:45 Local
Reported: 2000-07-23 00:00 Pacific
Duration: 6-8 seconds
No of observers: 1

Location: La Crosse, WI, USA

Shape: Light

Object appeared in telescope field of view, and executed 90 degree turn before moving out of field of view.

Object observed through telescope. Object estimated to be mag. 8.0 to 8.5, blue-white in appearance, observed for 6-8 seconds. Object observed to execute 90 degree turn in field of view of telescope, then exit field of view. Although object appeared to be similar to what a satellite looks like when it shoots across my field of view, satellites do not execute turns. Object did not slow down while turning. Entire turn took 2-3 seconds, and object observed to fly in straight lines 1-2 seconds before and after executing turn. No "running lights" observed. Thus, plus speed of turn and turn radius rule out aircraft of known kind. Turn appeared smooth. Object observed while looking for Comet Linear, approximately 8 degrees from lower "pointer" star in "big dipper" region.

Posted 2000-07-29