NUFORC Sighting 15982

Occurred: 2000-12-28 17:51 Local
Reported: 2001-01-18 00:00 Pacific
Duration: 20 SEC.
No of observers: 2

Location: Monument Valley, UT, USA

Shape: Other

Adult male driving in a remote area of Monument Valley, southeastern UT, observed a star-sized blue-white light describing a path with

Witness was traveling northeast in the Monument Valley of Utah on US 163, about 5 miles north of the Arizona border (witness precise location, N 37º 2", W. 110º 1"). Time 14:51 UTC (5:51 PM, MST). It was almost dark. Witnesses attention was drawn to a blue-white light approaching from the northeast, almost dead ahead, about 30º above the road at Point A. See accompanying sketches. There was no strobe light, nor running lights as would be the case with an FAA-compliant aircraft. The light appeared to grow slightly brighter and larger, as it dropped or moved closer. Witness sensed was it was moving closer. Roughly 3 to 5 seconds after witness first noticed the light, it appeared to be about 15º above the road and there was a bright flash (Point B). The light made an abrupt turn to the right (east). The light moved parallel to the horizon, traversing from Point B to Point C in approximately 5 seconds. Witness continued watching the light as it traveled from Point B to Point C, whereupon it disappeared from view behind Conical Butte. Witness anticipated the object would maintain a steady speed and reappear at the right of the butte (Point D) in about 5 seconds. The light appeared as predicted, and continued horizontally at the same speed for about 2 seconds, whereupon there was another brilliant flash (Point E) and the light dramatically accelerated and climbed out of sight in an easterly direction (Point F). According to witness, his friend, traveling in another vehicle approximately ¼-mile ahead of witness' vehicle, with two Dalmatians (dogs), reported the dogs awoke and became agitated during the event.

NUFORC Note:

Our gratitude to Ronald S. Regehr, MUFON State Director for Utah, for submitting this report on behalf of the witness. Any other witnesses to this event may contact Ron at to report their sighting of the event. PD

Posted 2001-02-18