NUFORC Sighting 123430

Occurred: 2015-11-05 19:45 Local
Reported: 2015-11-06 10:41 Pacific
Duration: 2-3 seconds
No of observers: 1

Location: Miami Shores, FL, USA

Shape: Other

Early evening arrow-like streak throwing off sparks

Walking westward down a quiet residential street just after dark, I watched several low and high flying planes coming and going from both Miami International and Opa Locka Executive airports. Looking just over my left shoulder as I scanned the mostly clear sky, I suddenly witnessed a very unusual object streak by just over the treetops (an altitude of only about 50 - 60 ft.) It was traveling in straight level line at about the speed of a fast moving bird (40 mph?) while throwing off a trail of sparks. It was in my view for only about 2 or 3 seconds and disappeared over the houses and trees. The object itself was not visible, only electric sparks emanating from a thin line probably about a foot or so long. There was no smoke, odor or sound.

It looked very much like a 4th of July sparkler shooting through the air like a missile or an arrow, very similar in size, shape and intensity. Another comparison would be to the tracers they shoot off with fireworks. The difference was in the trajectory. This thing moved like it was under its own power and headed somewhere with a purpose. It wasn’t ascending, descending, or decelerating as one would expect if it was a bottle rocket or some other kind of model rocket or firework and it didn’t explode with a bang. Also, if it was something like that, I can’t understand how someone could be in a position to direct it along such a horizontal line of flight.

Another explanation would be some highly unusual atmospheric effect, but even with sparks flying, it wasn’t high voltage lighting. It was a calm breezy evening with clear skies except for a few puffy clouds here and there, no charged feeling like we get when thunderstorms roll through. There were no power lines or street light wires anywhere nearby.

As I continued home, I had that feeling of static electricity running up my back and the hairs of my neck standing on end. I chalk that up to my imagination, but the feeling was real.

Posted 2015-11-06