NUFORC Sighting 14581

Occurred: 2000-07-04 21:30 Local
Reported: 2000-10-16 00:00 Pacific
Duration: 45 minutes
No of observers: 0

Location: Des Moines (metro area), IA, USA

Shape: Light
Characteristics: Lights on object, Emitted other objects, Aircraft nearby

Light in sky from which (twice) descended another smaller light. Moved AGAINST wind no matter what direction.

Bright (steady) glowing red light, sometimes hovered for several minutes, then moved slowly in horseshoe-shaped transit over portion of Des Moines metro area. Apparently hundreds of witnesses, but 48 interviewed, representing 27 different locations around the city. At two widely separate locations a smaller red (steady) glowing light descended from main object, with several witnesses indicating a right-angle turn by the descending object. Light was seen as larger than airliner flying at about 2600 feet (a lower altitude than object) as airliner made its approach to Des Moines airport. From witness reports and some triangulation, it is estimated that main object was 70-100 feet in size, and at an altitude somewhere between 3,000 - 6,500 feet. FAA reported no blimps or laser shows in area; balloons ruled out (main object would have moved AGAINST the wind, no matter what the wind direction at ground level or at higher altitudes. [WITNESSES included former military, members of medical community, former law enforcement, pilots, professional people, business owners, etc.] (Some similarity to a case occurring 3-26-00 in Des Moines area when a (steady)red light traveled from N to S, and a (this time blinking) object descended from main object, with main object then turning around to move back N.



NUFORC Note:

Report submitted by Beverly Trout, State Director for MUFON/Iowa, who is well know to our Center. She can be reached at . Other witnesses in Iowa are encouraged to contact her. PD


Posted 2000-12-02

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