NUFORC Sighting 87663

Occurred: 2010-08-14 23:00 Local - Approximate
Reported: 2012-03-14 04:58 Pacific
Duration: 5 mins
No of observers: 1

Location: Townsville (Australia), , Australia

Shape: Fireball
Characteristics: Aircraft nearby

Fireball hovers then moves out to sea.

I'd like to report a strange light I witnessed over Townsville, Australia in mid-August (approx. the 14th).

I was standing in my backyard in Oonoonba, having a cigarette at aprox. 11.00pm. I glanced up into the sky and noticed an orange fireball about quarter the size of a full moon, which seemed to be stationary. I speculated that it must have been a military jet with afterburners lit, travelling directly away from me, however it seemed to stay in the one place far too long. It was hard to gauge at what altitude this "fireball" was, other than to say it was below the upper-level cloud. It remained stationary for approximately 30 seconds then suddenly seemed to gain height at an extraordinary rate.

The "fireball" grew dimmer the higher it travelled until it was a faint glow on the upper level cloud. It then headed in an easterly direction out over the ocean. I have no idea what this "fireball" was.

The weather was cool for Townsville and the sky was partially cloudy, with some mid-level and high-level cloud. The "fireball" made no sound that I could hear.

NUFORC Note:

Witness indicates that the date of the sighting is approximate. PD

Posted 2012-03-16