NUFORC Sighting 31475

Occurred: 2001-08-22 21:00 Local - Approximate
Reported: 2003-09-14 20:25 Pacific
Duration: 10 minutes
No of observers: 4

Location: Lewiston, ME, USA

Shape:

Corroboration of the 8/22/01 reports in Lewiston

I wanted just to write in to corroborate the sightings posted by other writers for this same date. Better late than never. I remember this incident well because it was the evening of our 21st wedding anniversary. My wife and I arrived home after dinner and we were walking around inside our house checking on our two children when we heard a rumbling noise in the sky near our house. We live in one of the highest locations in the city and the evening was quiet. The rumbling - similar to a jet engine - would last for about 10 seconds or so and then abruptly stop. The noise got progressively louder so that it got my attention, and I walked outside but could see nothing. The area around the house is wooded and our view of the sky to the north and east is obscured. By the time I walked outside, the noise was continuing at regular intervals but was fading into the distance. The "jet" noise sounded similar to the blast of the propane engines that are used to heat hot air balloons. The city does have a hot air balloon festival that takes place in late August. However, no balloonist in his right mind would fly at night, and there were many sightings of something strange, to go along with the many people who, like us, heard but did not see anything. There was a story in the local newspaper the next day but we've heard or seen nothing unusual since that night. But I'm keeping my eyes open!!

Posted 2003-09-17