The "Phoenix Lights" over Arizona (1997)

Short description of the event

The Phoenix Lights are one of the most famous UFO sightings in the United States. On the evening of March 13, 1997, thousands of people in Arizona, Nevada, and Mexico observed a series of unusual lights in the sky. The primary sighting was a giant V-shaped formation that, according to witnesses, glided silently across the sky. Later that evening, additional stationary lights were seen over Phoenix, remaining in the sky for over an hour.

When and where did this all happen?

The event took place on The phenomenon occurred on March 13, 1997, and lasted for several hours. The lights were first sighted in Henderson, Nevada, then in Phoenix, Arizona, and finally in the border region of Sonora, Mexico. The phenomenon was particularly noticeable over the city of Phoenix, where numerous eyewitnesses independently reported similar sightings.

Main features of the event

The Phoenix Lights consisted of two main phases: First, a massive, V-shaped array of lights flew across the night sky for several hundred kilometers. Many witnesses described it as a single, enormous, wingspan-like object, passing overhead in absolute silence and smoothly. Later, stationary, amber lights were sighted over Phoenix, remaining motionless for an extended period. Some eyewitnesses reported an eerie feeling as the object passed overhead, while others stated that it appeared to be maneuvering with some purpose.

Investigation and clarification attempts

The U.S. Air Force explained the stationary lights over Phoenix as flares dropped during a National Guard exercise over the Barry Goldwater Proving Grounds. However, this explanation is doubted by many eyewitnesses because it fails to account for the appearance of the massive V-shaped formation. Skeptics argue that the sightings were caused by aircraft, balloons, or optical illusions, while UFO researchers point out that there is no conclusive explanation for the giant silent object. The then-Governor of Arizona, Fife Symington, initially publicly ridiculed the event, but years later admitted that he had witnessed the lights himself and considered them extraordinary.

List of the most credible witnesses

Among the most credible witnesses was Fife Symington, then-Governor of Arizona, who described the phenomenon as impressive but unexplained. Numerous civilian eyewitnesses, including pilots, police officers, and astronomers, also came forward, describing the massive object and its luminous appearance in detail. One particularly compelling account came from a family who reported seeing the object move silently over their home, obscuring the stars behind it.

Conclusion on credibility

The Phoenix Lights are considered one of the The best-documented UFO event in modern history. While the second phase of the sighting can possibly be explained by flares, the first massive V-shaped formation remains mysterious. The large number of eyewitnesses, including high-ranking officials and pilots, supports a high level of credibility. There is no convincing conventional explanation for the silent, massive object, which is why the event remains one of the most convincing UFO phenomena. Credibility Rating: High.