NUFORC Sighting 17292

Occurred: 2001-04-17 21:24 Local
Reported: 2001-04-18 00:00 Pacific
Duration: 30 seconds
No of observers: 1

Location: Cave Creek, AZ, USA

Shape: Triangle
Characteristics: Lights on object

Triangular pattern of 3 moving lights north of Phoenix.

While observing in the Big Dipper region thru my 10x50 finderscope on my telescope, a triangular pattern of 3 points of light passed thru the field of view. I was able to follw them for approx. 30 seconds. The points of light were similar in brightness to satellites and moved from the north to the south. I had a CCD camera attached to the main instrument and I snapped a 2 second exposure which shows streaking objects moving against a background of still stars. The pattern did not appear to be a solid object since the area between the moving stars showed background starts. The appearance was that of 3 satellites flying in formation. The points of light left no trails and the light appeared to be reflective and not emitted.

NUFORC Note:

We have received other reports of these lights. We suspect they are satellites, possibly launched by the U. S. Navy, for surveillance purposes. Other, similar reports may appear within a few weeks of this date; they usually are reported for up to a month before they disappear from orbit. PD

Posted 2001-04-28