Red Bluff — California Highway Patrol sighting
Two California Highway Patrol officers thought they were about to see an airliner crash when a large object dropped toward the road ahead of them. At about 100–200 ft it stopped, reversed and climbed. They watched it for more than two hours as it moved about the sky, swept a red beam over the area and caused radio interference. Deputies at the Tehama County sheriff's office also saw lights. Similar reports came from across northern California that week.
Explanation
The Air Force concluded the Red Bluff sightings were due to atmospheric refraction, most probably of the planet Mars rising, with a strong temperature inversion and a layer of forest-fire smoke adding to the effect.
What was seen
Shape: Football-shaped object with red lights at each end
Witnesses: CHP officers Charles Carson and Stanley Scott; sheriff's deputies
Duration: More than 2 hours
Sources
Browse
- United States
- 1960s
- Explained
- Recurring lights
- Official government documents
- Many independent witnesses
- Police witnesses
- Reported electromagnetic effects
- Lights and fireballs