NUFORC Sighting 70813

Occurred: 2009-07-03 01:58 Local
Reported: 2009-07-03 02:27 Pacific
Duration: 9 Mins.
No of observers: 1

Location: Gig Harbor, WA, USA

Shape: Light
Characteristics: Lights on object

Bright White Light the Size and Brightness of Venus Passes Over Gig Harbor, WA

On this morning, July 3rd, 2009 at approximately 0158 hrs., in Gig Harbor, Washington, I was standing outside smoking a cigarette, facing East and I looked up to my left because I saw movement and I saw a star as bright as, and about the size of, from my perspective, of Venus fly over from West to East. It was a bright white light. Made no sounds at all. Traveling faster then a jet fighter. I live in Gig Harbor and I have a good view of the Eastern sky. It took approximately 8-9 minutes for it to vanish into the deep horizon. I know this was not a satellite because it was much to bright and larger then a satellite. Satellites fades out after about 20 - 25% from it being directly over head. This never really faded out, it just got further and further away until it was past the horizon. I know what a satellite looks like as well as space junk. This was neither. It was hard to distinguish size and shape as well as altitude because it was too dark. But if I had to guess, I'd say it was 4-10,000 feet in the air.

I often see aircraft on their flight path to Sea-Tac Airport but this object wasn't even in that pattern. The Tacoma/Pierce County Airport is nearby but there were no aircraft visible during this event at either Sea-Tac or Tacoma/Pierce County Airport.

I am a trained observer. I served in the US Army as a Helicopter Mechanic and Crew Chief as well as taught Survival for my Unit. I am a Licensed Security Officer in the state of Washington.

NUFORC Note:

Witness elects to provide no contact information. ISS visible from this location at 01:49-01:53. We suspect a sighting of the ISS. PD

Posted 2009-08-05