NUFORC Sighting 01970

Occurred: 1993-08-12 22:30 Local
Reported: 1997-01-31 00:00 Pacific
Duration: 30-45 min
No of observers: 3

Location: Lake of the Woods (Near; closest city Ashland - 30 mi.), OR, USA

Shape: Light

SUMMARY: 3 luminous objects moving extremely fast, instant directional changes, changed color

My parents and I were observing the Perseid meteor shower in a winter recreation site. We decided to go there because it was very dark and it was basically a large field in which we could park our pickup. We had binoculars and a mid-size telescope with us. As we were watching the meteor shower, we all noticed moving, starlike points which changed color from white to red. There were 3 such objects, and they appeared to be at an extremely high altitude (at least where commercial aircraft would fly). They were mostly directly above us or at least 3/4 up from the horizon. We were not certain of their altitude since there were no reference points. Through binoculars the objects appeared to be executing extremely high-speed maneuvers (looping and passing close to one another) and they could accelerate or turn VERY quickly. The telescope was impossible to use while viewing the objects because of their speed. There is no way these were planes, helicopters, meteors, or flyin!g insects like fireflies (there are no fireflies that change color or live west of the Rockies). I have no clue about what they were. I would like it if someone e-mailed me regarding this, if it's possible.

Posted 1998-03-07