NUFORC Sighting 34217

Occurred: 2003-12-29 21:15 Local
Reported: 2003-12-30 08:05 Pacific
Duration: 5 seconds
No of observers: 2

Location: Salem, OR, USA

Shape: Circle


Fast Moving Bright Light

Temperature was 29 degrees F., sky clear. My wife and I were outside in the spa. I spotted an object moving from the NE to the SW. First appearance was at about 1030 (with 0900 being the east horizon, 1500 the west). It was round and about as bright as the brightest star visible in the southeastern sky. My wife saw it immediately, as I said something like "meteor" when I first saw it. But it moved slower than a meteor and didn't disintegrate. I followed it until it disappeared behind the roof of the house (I stood up to extend my viewing time). Its highest point was just to the south of us.

I then asked my wife about what she saw. How large? About six times as large as the brightest star (which was the EXACT figure I had in mind). Color? Slightly orange (I agreed). Nature of the light? A bit diffuse, as though an intense light was shined on a cloud. Agreement again.

The track never varied. There was no noise. There was nothing visible around the light. Its intensity never changed.

A satellite? No, it was too late in the evening to see satellites, and the track would be quite unusual for it to be either a satellite or space debris. A meteor? Possibly, but given its speed, constancy and duration, unlikely. It was definitely not an airplane (no sound, no flashing lights).



Posted 2004-01-17

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