The Phoenix Lights

Lore & Background

Both sightings were due to aircraft participating in Operation Snowbird, a pilot training program operated in winter by the Air National Guard out of Davis-Monthan Air Force Base in Tucson, Arizona. The first light group was later identified as a formation of A-10 Thunderbolt II aircraft flying over Phoenix while returning to Davis-Monthan. The second group of lights were identified by Robert Sheaffer as illumination flares dropped by another flight of A-10 aircraft that were on training exercises at the Barry Goldwater Range in southwest Arizona. Fife Symington, governor of Arizona at the time, years later recounted witnessing the incident, describing it as "otherworldly."

Reader's Guide

The Phoenix Lights incident remains one of the most widely witnessed UFO events in history, with reports spanning hundreds of miles and involving multiple distinct sightings. The event's significance lies in its dual nature: a triangular formation of lights and a series of stationary lights, both later explained by military activities under Operation Snowbird. The first formation was attributed to A-10 Thunderbolt II aircraft flying in formation, while the second was identified as illumination flares dropped by A-10 jets. Despite official explanations, the incident continues to generate public interest and debate, partly due to Governor Fife Symington's later claim of a personal close encounter. The Phoenix Lights illustrate how routine military exercises can produce dramatic and unexplained visual phenomena, fueling ongoing UFO speculation.

Did You Know?

• The Phoenix Lights consisted of two unrelated incidents, both resulting from activities of Operation Snowbird.
• The first group of lights was identified as a formation of A-10 Thunderbolt II aircraft returning to Davis-Monthan Air Force Base.
• The second group of lights was identified as LUU-2B/B illumination flares dropped by A-10 aircraft on a training exercise at the Barry Goldwater Range.