NUFORC Sighting 32490

Occurred: 2003-10-09 16:48 Local
Reported: 2003-10-20 17:44 Pacific
Duration: 2 minutes
No of observers: 1

Location: Everett, WA, USA

Shape: Cylinder
Characteristics: Aircraft nearby

Polished metallic cylinder stationary in daytime sky slowly rotates then disappears instantly

I was obeserving a Washington State Patrol light airplane circling the area. As it circled overhead I noticed what appeared to be a star 50 to 60 degrees above the horizon behind the airplane. I first thought it might be a balloon as the local automobile dealerships use allot of them. I noticed that it was not moving with the wind, which were 15 to 20 mph. I then observed the object through 12X50 Bushnell binoculars. Through binoculars the object resembled highly polished aluminum. I then thought it was perhaps a milar balloon and continued to observe it. It then rotated slowly in a clockwise direction to reveal that it was oblong. It was shaped like a cylindar bisected lengthwise, slightly flared at the bottom edges. I thought it might be a helicopter at high altitude but there were no rotors visible. While I was observing it it disappeared instantly. Weather was moderate winds and partly cloudy. I am a mechanical engineer and aviation enthusiast with 25 years experience in the technical field.

Posted 2003-10-31