NUFORC Sighting 69161

Occurred: 1998-06-01 10:00 Local - Approximate
Reported: 2009-03-11 18:37 Pacific
Duration: 8 seconds
No of observers: 1

Location: Ellensburg, WA, USA

Shape: Light
Characteristics: Lights on object

10/10/1998 Bright white light moving very fast

I saw a large spherical very bright white light at low altitude 3-5 thousand feet moving very fast in a straight line at level altitude from the nw to the ne. I began counting second out as soon as I saw it as it was moving so rapidly and counted eight seconds before it went out of view on the horizon. I was just outside Ellensburg and estimate when I first spotted it, it was near Cle Elum heading toward me. I counting immediately and got to eight when it was gone over the Columbia Basin past Vantage. I estimate the distance I watched it travel to be at least 25 miles approaching and 25 miles going away from me. It had no tail, just a very bright white light and totally silent. It passed by me just a little to the north and east of where I was standing.

I have been a passenger in small planes on several occasions here and live near the airport so have witnessed countless small planes over the years and know how to approximate their altitude. This did not vary in altitude at all. It was flying flat and level all the way.

NUFORC Note:

Source of report indicates that the date of the incident is approximate. PD

Posted 2009-03-19