NUFORC Sighting 38689

Occurred: 2004-08-15 22:50 Local
Reported: 2004-08-16 03:15 Pacific
Duration: approx 5 mins.
No of observers: 1

Location: Ahwatukee-Foothills (Phoenix), AZ, USA

Shape: Light
Characteristics: Lights on object, Aura or haze around object, Emitted other objects, Aircraft nearby

Odd lights seen in Ahwatukee-Foothills area

I was driving west on Pecos Road between 40th street and 32nd street between approximately 11:45-11:50pm. I observed directly ahead of me (west) a light that I first thought was a low-flying helicopter, due to the intensity of the light, and the fact it appeared to be not moving. I'm not sure the exact distance between myself and the object, but I would have to say somewhere between 8-12 miles. At first, I thought it could have been a helicopter between 750-1000ft above ground level. The light seemed far away (see above estimate) yet it was oddly bright. I would describe the color as a yellowish white. Almost like the color of a 60 white light-buld. I was watching this object for about 5 seconds when it appeared to split in two. Each of the lights were less bright than the sum when they were connected. In altitude, they were parallel. One of the objects (the one to my right) started flying north towards South Mountain, and the one seemed to remain in place for another 3-4 seconds. Then another light appeared next to the remaining craft. This time the light was definately less bright than the 'main' object (the remaining one of the pair). It was much closer to this object than distance between the initial two. It was about 100 ft lower in altitude, and 150ft-200ft to the left (south) of the 'main' object. I continued driving along Pecos and then turned right (north) on 32nd street and the trees to my left temporarily blocked my view for maybe 10-15 seconds. I then turned left (west) on Liberty ln. to go to my house, and once again saw the 2 objects. They were in the same position as before, and still remaining in the one spot. I went into my house to put my dinner that I just bought at Taco Bell on the counter in my kitchen and went back outside to continue following the object. I did not see the object I had been tracking, At least not where it was before. I saw something moving north very quickly and passing right over South Mountain, but I'm not sure which of any of these objects that could have been. It very well could have been a different object altogether, maybe a plane. I only got to see it for a second or two and then it disappeared over the mountain, and there was nothing else to observe, so I went back inside. One other thing I should mention is the air was very humid and there was an intense electrical storm at the time. Lightning, but with barely any rain. There was another car about a hundred feet ahead of me driving on Pecos, so he/she/they might have seen this as well. I don't see how one could have missed it.

Posted 2004-08-24