NUFORC Sighting 180057

Occurred: 2024-01-14 21:10 Local
Reported: 2024-01-14 22:07 Pacific
Duration: 30 minutes
No of observers: 3 - Pilot

Location: Ithaca, NY, USA
Location details: 15nm Southwest of Ithaca New York at 28,000ft on a heading of 300

Shape: Light
Color: White/Yellow
Estimated Size: Undefined
Viewed From: Aircraft
Direction from Viewer: 290-310
Angle of Elevation: 15
Closest Distance: 150nm
Estimated Speed: 3000kts
Characteristics: Lights on object, Changed Colo

Two lights climbing, descending, and changing direction rapidly

I was the pilot of a flight over the area of Ithaca New York at 28,000ft. Another pilot was talking about strange lights on the radio.

I began seeing a single white/pale yellow light at 12 o clock at around 40,000ft at very long range. The other aircraft who was behind us at a higher altitude on the same route reported two lights, one estimated at 80,000ft.

The light tracked North at a high rate of speed before dimming, disappearing briefly, then reappearing tracking South. This was reported to ATC who asked further details and began requesting reports from other pilots in the area. Several other aircraft reported the lights.

The aircraft behind us reported 5 lights moving in varying patterns, including orbiting each other. He began reporting them as primarily white, but that he had also seen it as red and purple.

As we descended into Toronto, one of the lights appeared to be below us. I have seen these lights on other occasions, but never have seen one appear below us. It rapidly climbed from approximately 20,000ft to 40,000ft in about 5 seconds.

This was corroborated by my first officer and by the other pilot on the radio.

As we approached Toronto, one of the lights became extremely bright. It was the brightest object in the sky, with a much dimmer light 30 miles or so further North. Arrival control reported that there was nothing on radar to the West of the airport.

Posted 2024-02-15