Look up: Remembering Phoenix Lights on World UFO Day

Jul 2, 2016, 5:31 AM | Updated: Jul 3, 2016, 12:09 am

(Screenshot)...

(Screenshot)

(Screenshot)

PHOENIX — Look! Up in the sky! It’s a bird, it’s a plane, it’s a…UFO?

Long-time Valley residents may have said something like this to themselves almost 20 years ago when the Phoenix Lights were spotted in the night sky.

In honor of World UFO Day, which is Saturday, we thought it’d be interesting to take a look back at this event that has become a part of Valley lore.

According to the Mutual UFO Network, on March 13, 1997 between 7:30 and 10:30 p.m., thousands of people reported seeing strange, bright lights flying over Nevada, Arizona and part of Mexico.

According to witnesses, there were two major events connected with the flying lights.

The first event was described as a V-shaped object the size of a commercial plane soaring through the sky.

The second event was reported by an unidentified former Arizona police officer who claimed he saw a series of stationary, orange and red lights hanging over the Valley.

The orange and red lights were allegedly identified as flares dropped by military aircraft during a training exercise at the Barry Goldwater Range.

However, there has never been a clear explanation for the flying, V-shaped object.

Over the years, there have been reports of the lights returning to the Valley, especially in 2007 and 2008. Those sightings were later attributed to military flares that has been dropped by fighter aircraft from Luke Air Force Base and a person who released flares attached to helium balloons.

Those who witnessed the bizarre lights described them as “otherworldly” and the phenomena is remembered fondly each year since it — whatever it was — was spotted.

Although the Phoenix Lights may be one of the more infamous UFO sightings, Arizona is no stranger to odd things in the night sky.

According to a 2014 Washington Post article, Arizona has the highest number of UFO sightings per capita in the country.

Most recently, a Sky Harbor employee reported seeing white lights that “formed a chevron shape.”

Although nothing came of the Sky Harbor sighting, events such as that and the Phoenix Lights will keep Arizonans scouring the night sky for years to come.

 

We want to hear from you.

Have a story idea or tip? Pass it along to the KTAR News team here.

Arizona News

A Paradise Valley, Arizona, estate known as Casa Oso Negro, which was originally listed for $20 mil...

Kevin Stone

Luxurious Paradise Valley estate originally listed for $20M will be sold at auction

An exquisite Paradise Valley estate that was originally listed for $20 million will be sold at auction this month.

6 hours ago

(AP Photo/Ross D. Franklin, File)...

Brandon Gray

Mayor Gallego, city council votes to leave Phoenix’s Colorado River entitlement in Lake Mead

Mayor Kate Gallego and the Phoenix City Council unanimously voted Wednesday to leave up to 150,000 acre-feet of the city's Colorado River entitlement in Lake Mead over the next three years.

6 hours ago

...

Brandon Gray

Man arrested in ‘The Zone’ after refusing to leave tent, threatening workers, Phoenix police say

A man was arrested Wednesday after an incident involving homeless outreach workers in "The Zone" homeless encampment in downtown Phoenix.

6 hours ago

(Photo by Christian Petersen/Getty Images)...

KTAR.com

Phoenix City Council vote passes to support Suns, Mercury All-Star bids

The Phoenix City Council unanimously voted Wednesday in favor of supporting the bids from the Phoenix Suns and Phoenix Mercury to host future All-Star games.

6 hours ago

(Pexels Photo)...

KTAR.com

Arizona man sentenced to 15 years in prison for sexual abuse of a minor

An Arizona man was sentenced to 15 years in prison for sexual abuse of a minor, authorities said Tuesday.

1 day ago

Sean Bickings (Family Photo via city of Tempe)...

Associated Press

Family of man who drowned last year in Tempe Town Lake files wrongful death lawsuit

The family of a man who drowned in Tempe Town Lake a year ago filed a wrongful death lawsuit against the city Wednesday, noting that its police department doesn't have a policy requiring officers to go into the water to save someone.

1 day ago

Sponsored Articles

...

re:vitalize

Why drug-free weight loss still matters

Wanting to lose weight is a common goal for many people as they progress throughout life, but choosing between a holistic approach or to take medicine can be a tough decision.

(Photo by Michael Matthey/picture alliance via Getty Images)...

Cox Communications

Valley Boys & Girls Club uses esports to help kids make healthy choices

KTAR’s Community Spotlight focuses on the Boys & Girls Club of the Valley and the work to incorporate esports into children's lives.

...

Day & Night Air Conditioning, Heating and Plumbing

Company looking for oldest air conditioner and wants to reward homeowner with new one

Does your air conditioner make weird noises or a burning smell when it starts? If so, you may be due for an AC unit replacement.

Look up: Remembering Phoenix Lights on World UFO Day