NUFORC Sighting 13701

Occurred: 2000-08-04 23:51 Local
Reported: 2000-08-07 00:00 Pacific
Duration: 4 minutes
No of observers: 2

Location: Trout Lake, WA, USA

Shape: Formation

Three satellite appearing objects traveled from NNW to SSE never breaking from an obtuse triangular formation.

Three satellite appearing objects traveled from NNW to SSE never breaking from an obtuse triangular formation. They were 3 separate objects as stars could be seen inside the formation. The speed was that of a typical satellite (about 2-4 minutes to cross the sky). The shortest side faced approx. NW-WNW, the longest side faced approx. SW-SSW. (The obtuse angle was between these two sides). It traveled in a direction between it's longest side and southern most tip(it's tip would have been at a SE position, whereas it headed SSE). They were a large formation, at least 1 and a quarter inches at arm's length (about half the big dipper's pot). They were at different magnitudes, the southern most tip was the brightest. They disappeared into the earth's shadow which confirmed that they weren't self illuminating, there was also no sound, it's highly unlikely that they were jets. I checked Heavens-above.com for satellites at this time but found only one at a similar time-but going in the opposite direction. I suppose it's possible for satellite orbits to line up, but this seemed peculiar so I thought I'd report it. I'm an engineer in the aerospace industry, the other witness is a physician's assistant-soon to be pilot. We both watched the objects and thought it was peculiar, although not impossible for satellites...maybe...hmmm.

Posted 2000-08-19