It’s a bird, it’s a plane, it’s a – WHAT THE HECK IS THAT?

Normally this is the time of year that’s filled with discussions of ghosts and goblins, so it was a bit of a surprise when 14 different people contacted our organization this week to report sightings of unusual lights in our local skies. From Monroe to Meriden, West Haven to Waterbury, it seems that something strange was seen over Connecticut which is causing people to stop and ask “what the heck is that?” And when they need someone to share with, we’re there to listen, and if possible provide some answers.

We regularly receive reports to our organization from Connecticut residents, but it becomes especially interesting when multiple reports are received from different people, in different locations, on the same evening and reporting similar observations. What is most interesting about the reports from this week is that they are consistent with reports that have taken place throughout the local area since June of this year, and there were even a few before that time that seem to match as well. Once we have enough information collected, we start to look for answers.

The recent sightings are all of red, orange, or green lights that are spotted in the skies in the evenings between 8:00pm and 11:00pm. The lights appear to be traveling in a close formation or as one solid object, but upon further observation have been reported to “break off” from one another, sometimes changing direction entirely and traveling away from each other. At first the initial reports seemed similar to what we would expect from observations of paper lanterns, but when these objects are seen in the sky they don’t make such sudden maneuvers, and certainly not causing several to go off in different directions.  

Of the 14 witnesses we have spoken with thus far a number of them have backgrounds in aviation as engineers, pilots, or trained observers, which makes their testimony more compelling as eyewitnesses. Additionally, several have been shown images or videos of objects both explained and unexplained, and have consistently chosen the unexplained objects as being closest matching to what they saw. Once reports like this are made to our organization we can go about conducting more detailed investigations involving everything from mapping the area of sightings, to contacting air traffic and military control centers, to checking weather anomalies, and other checks. This process can take a few weeks, but it is worth every moment of inquiry even if an explanation can eventually be reached.

If you had a sighting that matches these descriptions, or a different one, we invite you to share your experience with us. Feel free to contact us with your UFO questions as well. You may be surprised to know how much of a history Connecticut has when it comes to sightings. You need not include your name if you don’t wish, but please know that names will not be publicly shared should you chose to include your reply information.