Chinese Lanterns Are Source of some UFO Reports In Pennsylvania (posted August 19, 2018)
Hundreds of sky lanterns launched in Westmoreland County, PA in July of 2018.
2018 copyright Stan Gordon
Reports of UFO sightings in Pennsylvania come to my attention all year round in all types of weather conditions. Many UFO sighting reports of lights in the sky are commonly determined to have a man-made or natural explanation. One of the most common source for these incidents are the launching of Chinese lanterns or sky lanterns. These objects are actually small hot air balloons that have a flame or possibly some other fuel source.
The devices move with the wind patterns and can stay visible in the sky for minutes or longer. Once they have risen higher into the sky, they can appear to be very bright and, if there are a number of them, they can take on what looks like various shapes or formations. They are generally bright white, orange, or red, but can be other colors. They move silently across the sky, but as the fuel source runs out, the bright lighted object suddenly just vanishes.
Some stores sell these lanterns in kits, and other people have made their own creations over the years. I hear that individuals launch these devices for family events, birthdays, weddings, and commonly around holidays.
I have always had some concern with these launchings, since they could possibly be a navigational hazard to low flying aircraft, alarm motorists as they are falling, and could be a fire hazard especially during drought conditions.
In recent weeks and months, I have been receiving a number of reports from various locations that appear to be Chinese lantern launches. Some locations have been in Mount Pleasant Township, Greensburg, Crabtree, and most recently in North Huntingdon Township.
While many of the UFO reports I have heard about during the last year can be explained, some sightings are quite interesting and not easily dismissed.