NUFORC Sighting 19659

Occurred: 2001-09-16 03:30 Local
Reported: 2001-09-26 19:41 Pacific
Duration: 1.5 mins
No of observers: 1

Location: Hampton, VA, USA

Shape: Rectangle

At approximately 3:30am on the morning of Sunday, Sep 17, 2001, I was looking towards in the direction of the moon (in it's last phase) in I believe an east-northeast direction. There were a few clouds, but I could still see the bright outline of the moon's reflecting light at the lower left portion of the moon. The light reflecting off of the moon was sufficiently bright that I could see the outline fo the moon very clearly. All of a sudden, a very large black square shape, about 25% larger than the moon itself passed in front of the moon (horizontally, as if a shade had been drawn), totally eclipsing the moon. It was not only black, but it also seemed to have somewhat of a sheen, and it was much blacker than any other part of the night sky. At first I thought it might be clouds, except I've never seen a black square cloud, nor have I ever seen an aircraft that was square, or of that size. Further, in order for it to have been a satellite, it would have to have been of tremendous size. I have no idea of what I saw, and will not try to suggest any possiblilities. Any feedback, or confirmations on what it was, or might have been would be appreciated.

Posted 2001-10-12