NUFORC Sighting 17577

Occurred: 2001-05-09 22:25 Local
Reported: 2001-05-10 00:00 Pacific
Duration: 30 seconds
No of observers: 1

Location: Moses Lake, WA, USA

Shape: Triangle
Characteristics: Lights on object, Aircraft nearby

Large, triangular formation of lights witnessed over the Grant Co. Intl. Airport.

At approx. 22:25 hours, I was getting out of my ((deleted vehicle when I noticed what I thought to be a satellite passing overhead. After looking closer, I noticed that there were two other "satellites" following in formation, forming a very large triangular shape. I began to watch it closely and noticed slightly dimmer lights that appeared to outline the object, again forming a very large triangle. The object continued to travel across the night sky at a very slow speed yet very high altitude never, losing its formation.I continued to watch the object until it disapeared behind the cloud cover. My background is in ((deleted services, a full-time ((deleted, and a reserve ((deleted.

((

NUFORC Note:

We have deleted certain data from the report to protect the individual's privacy. Witness appears to be a highly qualified individual, and probably is an excellent observer.

We believe that the witness may have observed three satellites that have been reported to NUFORC recently. They appear to fly in unwavering formation, and they seem to remain visible for several weeks' duration. They are thought to be part of a U. S. Navy space surveillance effort, which is referred to as "N.O.S.S." However, we have no explanation for the additional lights that the witness describes. PD))

Posted 2001-08-05