NUFORC Sighting 101538

Occurred: 2013-08-23 18:15 Local
Reported: 2013-08-24 17:49 Pacific
Duration: 15-20 seconds
No of observers: 2

Location: Eleven Mile Corner, AZ, USA

Shape: Unknown

Observed large, shimmering, translucent shape in daylight sky over Arizona.

At approximately 6:15PM on August 23, 2013 my wife and I were traveling South along N 11 Mile Corner Road. We were traveling at 55 - 60 mph and had just passed the intersection of N 11 Mile Corner Road and E. Kleck Rd.. It was daylight and the sun was above the horizon and West. We were and remain unable to identify a large shape we saw moving through the sky at that time.

Initially, I noticed a large shape to my 10 o'clock at 15-20 degrees off the horizon. It was about three quarters of a mile distant and was moving East to West, parallel to Highway 287 and perpendicular to our direction of travel. I was about to dismiss the shape as a flock of birds until shimmering and/or reflected light caught my eye. I noted the shape undulated and flowed as would a flock of birds, but there were no birds visible in or around the shape. The shape was translucent with a diffuse edge. I could see sky through the shape. I commented to my wife, "What is that?" as I slowed the vehicle.

My wife acknowledged seeing the shape and expressed curiosity as I continued to drive. We observed for about 10 seconds before it disappeared behind some trees: Long enough to capture our interest but not long enough to get at the iPhone to document the event. The shape reappeared and changed direction. We observed the shape a second time for less than 5 seconds before it seemingly blended into the background and disappeared.

Shortly after initially sighting the shape, it passed behind a water tower located West of N 11 Mile Corner Road. The tower is about 60 feet in height. We were roughly a half mile from the tower as the shape passed beyond it. The shape was roughly 3 times the height of the tower with a length to height ratio of about 4 to 1. An absolute size for the shape is difficult to estimate as the shape was some distance beyond the tower.

The object made no sound that we could detect.

The shape had no markings and appeared to be under its own power. The overall geometry was rectangular. It narrowed slightly at West end. Corners were poorly defined and slightly rounded. The shape was thin, almost ribbon-like. My wife remarked it resembled a transparent advertising banner that moved like a flock of birds as it reflected sunlight and shimmered. However, it lacked a tow plane or any notable form of propulsion.

Within several seconds of passing behind the water tower the shape banked toward the ground and disappeared behind a growth of trees. It emerged several seconds later having changed direction. The shape was heading South at this point. We lost sight within a few seconds of its reappearance as the it simply blended into the background.

I am a scientist by education (biochemist) and formally trained to observe. I cannot explain what I saw. It was large. It moved under its own power. It radiated and/or reflected light. It did not seem to belong in its surroundings. It did not resemble any traditional flying object that I know of.

Posted 2013-08-30