NUFORC Sighting 89863

Occurred: 2011-03-25 22:00 Local
Reported: 2012-06-21 13:56 Pacific
Duration: 2 minutes
No of observers: 1

Location: Chaco Culture National Park, NM, USA

Shape: Light
Characteristics: Lights on object

Steady point of light approaching at low altitude then retreat at incredible speed

The date is approximate within 1 week. I observed a steady point of light looking south from Chaco Canyon north of Fajada Butte. I thought it was a star at first because it didn't appear to be moving, then a planet because it wasn't twinkling and it was so bright, then a plane or helicopter when I noticed that it was moving slowly from my vantage point. I have seen many satelites and knew it was not one because of its brightness, low position on the horizon and that it appeared to be coming closer to my location as I kept watching. It appeared to be about 3-5 miles away at an altitude of between 600-1000 feet.

I did not see any blinking lights on it that would signify a known flying object and the light was steady and bright (brighter than any stars in the sky). The object came to within 2 miles I would guess continuing east and north towards me until it shot off towards the sky in an upper southwest direction at a speed that was so fast that if I had blinked I would have thought it disappeared.

Before I saw the object shoot off at an incredible speed, the only man made object I thought it could have been was a helicopter due to it's low altitude and slow speed. This occasion is extremely rare considering the remoteness of the location (Navajo Reservation) and proximity to nearest town (at least 50 miles) or known military base (Kirkland AFB 170-200 miles away.) I have never seen an aircraft at low altitude from Chaco Canyon in nearly a year of residence.

NUFORC Note:

Witness elects to remain totally anonymous; provides no contact information. PD

Posted 2012-07-04