NUFORC Sighting 21926

Occurred: 2002-02-09 23:20 Local
Reported: 2002-02-18 18:33 Pacific
Duration: 10 minutes
No of observers: 1

Location: San Diego, CA, USA

Shape: Circle
Characteristics: Changed Colo

Large, burning ball spotted drifting in the sky above San Diego on Feb. 9, 2002

I was in my Jacuzzi, talking on the phone to a friend, occasionally glancing around the yard and up into the sky. I suddenly spotted an orange ball, appearing to 'drift' above me, at about the height that a helicopter normally flies. I say this because I live near the airport and am very familiar with the 'flight paths' and aircraft in the area. I was, of course, excited and curious; and commented to my friend that it looked like a "hot air balloon that's on fire"! As I continued to focus in, I noticed that the 'intensity' of the orange color frequently changed from near amber to dark orange. In addition, I could see 'spots' or areas of red that came and went. The object had no clear 'definition' or 'silouhette', just roundish and glowing/burning. I would guess the size of it to be about the same as a hot air balloon. It slowly drifted north, then suddenly became much smaller. At first I thought it diminished in size, as if 'burning out', but then realized it was much closer to the horizon...and MUCH further away...that it must have traveled a large distance in a moment's time. I continued to observe it until it vanished into the northern horizon.

Posted 2002-02-22