Many Recent UFO Sightings in Pennsylvania Explained-August 11, 2013

Stan Gordon

I have been receiving numerous UFO sighting reports that have originated from many locations across Pennsylvania since June, and still continuing at this time. Many of these reports concern observations of single or multiple either red, orange, or white luminous objects moving across the sky which suddenly vanish in a few minutes. Many of these incidents appear to be launches of devices known as Chinese lanterns or sky lanterns.  As recent as last night, there were numerous such reports that came to my attention from various sections of the state as well as around Westmoreland and Allegheny counties.

While these hot air type devices are generally launched to attract attention during special events or holidays, they can be launched at any time.  It is likely that there were numerous such launches last night to draw attention, since many people were expected to look skyward for the annual Perseid meteor shower.

Another recent UFO report concerned an early morning observation of a bright spherical object that moved steadily across the sky. That report was determined to be an observation of the (ISS) International Space Station passing over the area.

A report of a mysterious circular area on a lawn of a resident appears to be what is known as “fairy rings” caused by a fungus in the soil.  While many such cases are found to have an explanation, some UFO incidents already reported this year are not so easily dismissed.

Sky Lanterns Generating Many UFO Reports in Pennsylvania-Fourth of July Week and Weekend (2013)

Last week with the approach of the Fourth of July weekend, I had anticipated that there would be an increase in reports of bright glowing orange or reddish-orange objects in the night sky. The reports generally describe one or multiple such lights that are observed for several minutes. They sometimes move separately, and other times in groups or even in various formations. They make no sound, then after a few minutes seem to just disappear from sight. This occurs when the candle or fuel cell expires.

Many of these reports can be attributed to what are known as Sky lanterns or Chinese lanterns. These devices are commonly sold as a kit in stores, while some people make their own version to launch skyward. During the last few years, reports of these devices have increased around holidays, specially the Fourth of July. These silent objects move with the wind currents, and always cause a lot of attention.

During local dry conditions, there is the possibility that these objects could produce a fire hazard. I have been receiving many similar sighting reports from across the state during this time period. After talking with many witnesses, it appears that many of these observations can be attributed to these manmade devices. Some of the reports originated from around  Pittsburgh, and other locations such as Greensburg, Jeannette, Irwin, and Latrobe.

There have been other previous cases reported that while similar in appearance those objects may not fall under this explanation.

Anomalous Aerial Objects-June 21, 2013

This report was received from Researcher: Keith Bastianini, who has given me permission to post it.

Date: Friday, June 21, 2013

Location: Mars, Butler County, Pennsylvania

Time: Approximately 9:45-10:00 pm

The following report was received from a resident of Butler County concerning an anomalous sighting of threes aerial objects on the night of Friday, June 21, 2013.  The time was approximately 9:45-10 PM.  The witness, an environmental consultant, and seven of his neighbors were together in the yard area between their homes in a suburban development situated between the town of Mars and Cranberry Township at the time of the sighting.

The witnesses observed 3 roundish, red-orange glowing objects traveling from south-southeast to north-northwest.  Two objects were relatively close to each other, trailed farther back by the third.  It appeared that they followed the same or similar flight line/path.  Objects emitted no noise or were too far away to hear.  Objects faded away as they reached the same location in the sky.  Objects were not going slow, nor were they going fast.  However, they all appeared to be traveling at the same rate of speed right up to the point of disappearance.

No estimate on the actual size of the objects, or distance from the witnesses, was possible although the lead witness thought they would appear smaller than a dime held at arms’ length.   The witness thought the most prosaic explanation was that they were Chinese lanterns however the steady rate of movement, maintained distance between the objects, and the way they all winked out at the same spot in the sky seemed odd.  Said that even if the fire went out he would have expected to still see the object dark against the sky.

Because of the professional nature of the witness’ career, he requested that he remain anonymous.