On December 7, 2024, multiple commercial airline pilots reported witnessing unusual, colorful lights in the skies above Eugene, Oregon, around 8:30 PM PT. The sightings involved at least four pilots who described the lights as erratic, moving at extreme speeds and changing direction rapidly.
A United Airlines pilot, flying from Denver to Eugene, questioned air traffic control about possible military activity after observing 'three or four targets' at various altitudes, some shooting up to 50,000 feet. The air traffic controller confirmed receiving reports of unidentified objects in the area.
In a leaked audio recording, pilots described the lights as red and circular, moving in corkscrew patterns. One pilot remarked, 'The biggest thing that stood out was it was changing direction. Usually, things don't change directions unless it's an aircraft,' highlighting the unusual nature of the phenomenon.
While some experts speculate the lights could be reflections from Starlink satellites, others, including pilot Joe Buley, express skepticism, stating that such rapid directional changes are inconsistent with satellite behavior. Buley noted, 'They were zipping towards us and back out towards the ocean, red in color, moving at extreme speeds.'
The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) confirmed a report of 'unidentified lights' but provided no further details. As the investigation continues, the sightings contribute to a broader pattern of unexplained aerial phenomena, raising questions about their origin and nature.