UFO Sighting Report - USA

July 17th : Traverse City, Michigan

UFOINFO Sighting Form Report

Location: 2305 Hwy US-31 N Traverse City/MI

Date: July 17, 2008

Time: 9;30 PM

Number of witnesses: Several unknown hotel renters and my wife

Number of objects: One

Shape of objects: As an engineer and pilot, I was utterly amazed at the strange shape which made no aerodynamic sense at all for the speed. The upper tall, 3/4 portion of an oval appeared black against the lighter cloudless twilight sky. The lower horizontal full oval section was a lighter grey than the sky and had several side lights. I estimated the size to be 70 ft. in overall height by 50 ft. wide across the bottom section.

Weather Conditions: clear, twilight skys, 1-2 mph winds

Description: It was really quite close. As a pilot who often gazes at airplanes moving by, I figured the object to be about 1/4 mile away at is closest point, with and altitude of about 400-500 ft., and moving east across Traverse East Bay at a constant speed of about 40-50 mph. The wind was less then 2 MPH and the water had only a slight ripple, so I have to dismiss the idea that the thing could be just a big balloon.

I couldn't tell why the lower portion appeared lighter in color -- much like a back-lited frosted screen or from some unseen indirect lighting source.

-----

Additional information:

Hi John,

I have a digital camera which takes videos. I truly regret that it was not within reach. This thing was so close and moving and didn't have time to tavel far.

My wife and I saw strange light down state some 10 years ago, but never reported it.

I was truly amazed at the shape which is so different from all the reports that I've read. Attached is my sketch of the thing.

Have a good one.