Knowles family encounter
In the early hours of January 20, 1988, the Knowles family were driving across the Nullarbor Plain in their station wagon when a bright light appeared ahead. They said a large glowing object pursued the car for a long time and finally came down on the roof; the car seemed to be lifted off the road, and the engine and voices changed as if time were slowing. Mrs Knowles said she reached out of the rear window, felt something soft and warm on the roof, and found her hand covered in black dust. When the car dropped back onto the road a rear tyre burst. The family reported it at Mundrabilla. It is one of Australia’s best-known close-encounter stories.
Explanation
No explanation has been established. The account rests on the four family members’ testimony and the physical details they described, and has been widely reported in Australia.
What was seen
Shape: Large glowing ball
Witnesses: Faye Knowles and her sons Patrick, Sean and Wayne
Duration: About 90 minutes (as told)
Sources
Browse
- Australia
- 1980s
- Unresolved
- Close encounters
- Many independent witnesses
- Physical traces
- Lights and fireballs
- Spheres and orbs