NUFORC Sighting 22192

Occurred: 2002-03-12 20:15 Local
Reported: 2002-03-12 21:17 Pacific
Duration: 1.5hr
No of observers: 2

Location: Phoenix, AZ, USA

Shape: Light
Characteristics: Lights on object, Changed Color, Aircraft nearby

Lights in the southern Phoenix Area

My wife and I were outside this evening when we notice objects in the sky at about 08:15pm. We, both my wife and I, have seen these objects before, however this experience was a bit different. The objects would light up with an orange glow. I ran inside grabbed my telescope and noticed (through the telescope) that the objects were alternating in color from red, orange, green, then white. At first I thought I was possibly looking at a streetlight, however, these objects were at a high altitude and I realized that the lights were alternating at a very fast rate. These objects would appear in the vicinity (looked like) just past the Estrella Mountains and towards the city of Gila Bend. This area is a Restricted Zone for all aircraft, except to military; Restricted Zone's R-2031E & R-2035 approx. 4 1/2 - 5 Nautical Miles at 220 degrees. Neighbors told me that the light I, and my wife, had witnessed were "Flares", however how can a flare sit in one spot for minutes at a time? I was also told, possibly, these "lights" were from the military aircraft doing maneuvers with the "After-burners" on??? The thought had crossed my mind but again, how is it possible to see an after-burner for minutes at a time, not moving??? Another noticeable feature was the "objects would light up and disappear in the same spot each and every time. One object was approx., just past the mountains SW and 2 other object appeared to the west approx. 30 or so miles away. I ask myself these questions, yet, unable to clarify and answer. I though I would share this info with you and to see if anyone else have seen these objects.

Thank you for your time.

Posted 2002-03-19