Background

The following case was submitted to The Black Vault / TBV Investigations on May 8, 2018, the day of the sighting. It was assigned to TBV Investigations’ researcher Jim Kerr for investigation and analysis.

Witness Testimony

“3 flying objects flying closely in a row from the southeast to the northwest at approximately 10:20pm. They all were a dull orange colored light making no noise at all and flying slowly. There were no flashing lights such as on a jet. They went directly over our home. About 30 to 40 seconds after passing overhead the first one started to flicker then disappeared. The same for the second one then the third one. The sky was clear as we can see all the stars in all directions. I did call my wife outside after the first one passed overhead so she wouldn’t think I was crazy. Hoping somebody else saw the same thing. Then the light flickered on the first and disappeared. The same for the second and then the same for the third. I called my wife outside so she could see them and wouldn’t think I’m crazy.”

The Analysis

by Jim Kerr, TBV Investigations

I have made numerous attempts to contact witness Rich and received no response. With that said, along with the lack of video or photo evidence, I will attempt to provide my opinion of what the witnesses observed.

The witness lives in Palos Heights, IL which is a suburb of Chicago in Cook County. According to data compiled in Cheryl Costa’s book, (UFO Sightings Desk Reference, USA 2001-2015), Cook County reported 1,431 UFO sightings, (2001-2015), which are the highest in the state.

The witness stated he observed three dull orange colored lights flying in a row from S/E to N/W. He heard no sound from the slow-moving objects as they traveled directly overhead. Approx 30 to 40 seconds after passing overhead, the first one started to flicker then disappeared. Then the second one, then the third one flicker then disappeared.

I researched the date and time for meteor or fireball activity and found none. Based on the witness statement of the objects speed, meteors or fireballs can be ruled out. There are numerous airports in the surrounding area, however, the witness description is inconsistent with aircraft lighting. The witness stated the object was traveling S/E to N/W and according to wunderground the wind was traveling in the same direction. I can only speculate, but Chinese Lanterns could account for the lights the witness observed along with the lights flickering then extinguishing. The orange glow, flickering and lights or flame burning out at different intervals are consistent with Chinese Lanterns.

Weather Report for 05/08/2018 10:30 PM

The weather on the date and time of the sighting; 69 degrees, wind 7 mph SE, humidity 40%, zero precipitation, visibility 10 miles, and the skies were cloudy.

Local Airports

Palos Heights is surrounded by at least 21 airports.

Possible Explanations

Conclusion

Based on the fact I was unable to interview the witness along with no video or photograph evidence case number 148816 is determined inconclusive due to lack of evidence. 

The post UFO over Palos Heights, Illinois – May 8, 2018 first appeared on The Black Vault Case Files.

The post UFO over Palos Heights, Illinois – May 8, 2018 appeared first on The Black Vault Case Files.

The following UFO report was submitted to The Black Vault / TBV Investigations on February 15, 2018. 

Due to the age of the sighting, and lack of visual evidence, the case is added here without scrutiny, and used for reference and archival purposes.  

Witness Testimony

“I don’t remember the exact date, but I know that it was in the early 1980s, around 10:30 – 11 pm during the summer.

My friend, Kim and I were outside lying on our backs looking at the stars & talking. There was a street light on in front of the house next door to us, so it was not pitch dark at all, when all of a sudden and seemed to be out of nowhere we saw a VERY LARGE (bigger than a car) dark triangle-shaped craft with bright blue lights underneath that was directly overhead, completely silent, and just above the tree top.

We were so shocked and surprised at what we were seeing, when all of a sudden at break-neck speed, it zipped away towards the back of the house with a movement that reminded me of a boomerang.We ran to the backyard, which we never went back there at dark but we wanted to see it again, however it was completely gone.

Our hearts were pounding and we kept asking each other what was that? did you see that? did you see how fast it took off? did you hear anything? We didn’t tell anyone because we figured they wouldn’t believe us. Over the years, I have only told 5 people about that experience.”

Conclusion

Due to the amount of time that has elapsed since the event, and the lack of visual evidence, this case holds no “conclusion” and is archived here for reference or for possible future corroborating witness testimony.

The post UFO Over Decatur, Illinois – 1984 first appeared on The Black Vault Case Files.

The post UFO Over Decatur, Illinois – 1984 appeared first on The Black Vault Case Files.

Background

This film reel was collected by UFO Investigator Rob Mercer, and digitized to preserve the history. This feel reel is part of the “From the Desks of Project Blue Book” Archive.

Film Reel

The post From the Desks of Project Blue Book: Moline, Illinois by Patrolman Fisher, 8mm, 9 March 1967 first appeared on The Black Vault Case Files.

The post From the Desks of Project Blue Book: Moline, Illinois by Patrolman Fisher, 8mm, 9 March 1967 appeared first on The Black Vault Case Files.

Two witnesses observed barbell-shaped UFOs dispensing white filament-like material. The account as written by the principal investigator Bill Schroeder follows.

“On November 4th, 2016 the Investigator was contacted by witness 1. He advised that he and witness 2 had observed a number of Barbell shaped objects in flight over his dwelling. The object first observed was silver metallic in color and 20 to 30 inches in length. When first observed the object was at rooftop level or about 35 feet over his head. The object was moving silently and laterally towards a small lake just south of the dwelling. At the time of the sighting witness 1 was in the company of witness 2. Witness 1 noted that there was no visible means of propulsion observed and no sound detected. As the object arrived to the center of the lake it stopped moving laterally and began to rise. As it started to rise it began exuding a white filament like material. The material was very fine and stretched all the way to the ground. After it had risen to several hundred feet is was joined by more than 12 other like objects that seemed to be circling it as it continued to rise. At this point in time the white material was spewing from the devices in such quantity it looked like rain. The objects rose together into a clear sky until
they were no longer visible.

The white material that had fallen remained visible in trees for about 24 hours before dissipating. When witness 1 contacted the Investigator, he was requested to get samples if possible. The witnesses were able to obtain some samples of the material. Witness 1 also sent an email report of the sighting. Witness 2, who is a professional artist, painted a picture that depicted the sighting. The material was collected using a clean shish-kabob skewer. At the Investigators request the samples were placed in paper and plastic bags. The samples were sent to the Investigator via USPS Priority mail with tracking.

The samples arrived intact on November 9th, 2016. Upon arrival the envelope was opened by the Investigator who was in the company of a second Investigator. The package and enclosed samples were photographed by the Primary Investigator. The samples were then placed in evidence bags and bottles by the Investigator. The bags and bottles were then sealed and initialed by the Investigator. The arrival, repackaging, and sealing of the evidence was recorded on video tape for later review. Witness 2 painted a picture that re-created the scene at the time of the sighting. A scan of the painting was forwarded to the Investigator. A partial jpeg image is included with this report.

The evidence was placed in a safe at the Investigators residence. Part of the evidence was later sent to Robert Powell and Phyllis Budinger for examination and lab testing.

Witness Information:

Witness 1 is an adult male. The witness has been in the aviation industry for more than 30 years. He has designed military and civilian aircraft systems over that time. He is familiar with aircraft propulsion systems and overall designs. He has a PHD level of education related to the industry. This individual has been personally known to the Investigator over 40 years. Witness 2 is an adult female. The witness is a college educated professional. The witness is also a well-known artist (painter).“

Following is a picture Witness 2 painted of the event;

This analyst heard about the incident from Robert Powell. He was sending the material to another lab and asked my opinion on which tests he should request. This analyst asked for a sample after having analyzed a number of ‘Angel Hair’ samples over the years.1 I desired to compare it to these previous samples especially since very credible witnesses saw the material being spewed from UFOs. I felt the identification of this material would be a clue and a step forward in understanding the UFO phenomenon and its purpose.

The objective is to identify the white fibrous material, compare it to samples from previous events, and offer speculations as to the reason for the UFO dispersions.

Conclusions

• The analysis shows the white filament like material is primarily a biologically derived silk typical of that produced by spiders. Additionally present are very small amounts of celluloidal material, i.e. plant derived substance, possibly inorganic nitrate and an unidentified rust/red material. It is unknown if these additional materials are part of the original composition or contaminants.
• The fibrous spider silk compares to other purported fibers, aka ‘Angel Hair’, analyzed by this laboratory and other laboratories. Other laboratories have done very credible research and issued extensive reports involving spider silk fibers that fell concurrent with UFO sightings. (See page 10 for a partial listing.)
• The above identification is particularly exciting because the UFOs’ deposition was observed by multiple, very credible, witnesses. Spider silk has definitely been identified/linked to UFOs. This is an important clue.

The Analysis

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The post Analysis of an unknown White Fibrous Substance, aka ‘Angel Hair’, Deposited by Barbell-Shaped UFOs (Illinois, November, 4, 2016) first appeared on The Black Vault Case Files.

The post Analysis of an unknown White Fibrous Substance, aka ‘Angel Hair’, Deposited by Barbell-Shaped UFOs (Illinois, November, 4, 2016) appeared first on The Black Vault Case Files.

Location of Sighting: Grantfork, Illinois
Date of Sighting: November 2, 2015
Time of Sighting: 3:12 AM CST

Description: I saw this bright white unusual light figured was just star, but on left of the white one was a red star so I thought. And above the white one was like a white/red 1 changing colors so figured was just an airplane, but it would have been gone by time I was moving towards Grantfork from marine. I watched it for 5 minutes.

After I got closer to Grantfork I could see an outline was like a weird shaped triangle outline and you could see it in how slow it was going and I snap chatted it my friend. I didn’t save it. I was freaking out.

I sped up as the UFO I saw gained speed and I started to lose sight. I went through the middle of town on pokey road heading towards Pocahontas. That is when I could barely see the lights. I lost the outline of it about a minute before then. So I started to slow down because I had no chance to get a better video. I started to turn around and drive.

I looked back to check and I saw this small like V shaped, but wider spread of V thing coming had a bright light at the middle where the bottom of the V would be. I sped up because I was in country and wanted to get into town. Looking back I saw the V low with a bright white light at bottom getting close. I came into town down about 85 and slammed on the brakes and got out of car to take a video and it was gone. I freaked out, went home. wish I would have saved the video. I wasn’t thinking and haven’t sketched anything yet.

I try to rationalize what it probably was, but I know what I saw. I am just wondering if any one around here saw anything else either or saw something like it before.

The post Unknown Lights & “V” Shaped Object Sighted in Night Sky over Grantfork, Illinois first appeared on The Black Vault Case Files.

The post Unknown Lights & “V” Shaped Object Sighted in Night Sky over Grantfork, Illinois appeared first on The Black Vault Case Files.

The following was submitted to The Black Vault, and is used with permission.

The post UFO Over Oak Lawn, Illinois first appeared on The Black Vault Case Files.

The post UFO Over Oak Lawn, Illinois appeared first on The Black Vault Case Files.

Witness Has Consented to Use of His Full Name in This Report

Description: Dan Ragan recalls going to bed when he was five years old and instantly seeing the sun come up.  He said that his mother tucked him into bed at 10 PM and in an instant the sun came up and it was daylight.  He said that he never even closed his eyes.  He went into the bedroom to see his mother at the time (8 AM the next morning) and she was sound asleep. 

He was not ill and was not taking any medication.  He recalls nothing of the missing time and his mother or father did not experience anything unusual.  Both parents and himself were in the house at the time of the incident.  He has discussed this experience with his wife over the years and upon seeing the Peter Jennings ABC Special “Seeing is Believing” made him decide to report the experience.  

Investigator’s Notes:  I have spoken at length with Dan and his wife about his experience. 

Dan says that he never forgot this experience and that he discussed it over the years with his parents and his wife.  He has had no problems as the result of this experience, but still to this day does not know what happened.  My assessment of the interview is that Dan is credible and firmly believes that this happened to him. Could Dan have been abducted?  What caused the missing time? 

Why did the sun rise immediately after his mother turned the lights off in his room?  (Ten hours went by in a split second.)  I have checked the National UFO Reporting Center for sightings in March of 1964.  Only two sightings were reported and neither were near where Dan had his experience.  I have also checked the Air Force Project Bluebook files for sightings in this area in March of 1964.  No sightings were reported anywhere in Illinois in March of 1964.

The post Man Recalls Incident of “Missing Time” as a Young Boy first appeared on The Black Vault Case Files.

The post Man Recalls Incident of “Missing Time” as a Young Boy appeared first on The Black Vault Case Files.

So I stepped outside on my front porch to let him use the phone real quick, after he got off the phone we actually began to talk about UFOs and how clear of a night it was, about 5-10 minutes later hes looking in the sky and sees a fleet of UFOs going from south to north approximately 10-15 little circle orange reddish lights next to each other all in a row side by side I had to squint to see them at first but when I did I sure seen them, I grabbed my girlfriend and my parents and we all seen these amazing lights in the sky.

Eventually they passed by and we talked in shock about what we just saw, when about ten minutes later another fleet comes with approximately the same amount of UFOs 10-15, same color, and same formation as before all in a row, and they were going in the exact same direction (south to north) as the ones we had just seen prior. Now we are in complete shock, not only are we seeing UFOs but lots of them, my dad goes inside to grab the binoculars rushes back out and we watch these UFOs go the same way as the ones before.

We couldn’t believe what we were seeing, and then eventually those passed by. Ten to fifteen minutes later another fleet comes by!! Again, same color, same shape, and approximately same amount of UFOs all going the same direction as the two fleets before! This time my dad goes inside to call the local newspaper. No one answers but he leaves a message of mysterious lights and UFOs in the sky.

But we never received a call back on it. Go figure.

But anyway we stood outside to eventually witness about 5, YES 5 more fleets. come approximately every 10 minutes all going the same direction I had so many emotions running through me that night, shocked, scared, nervous, we literally thought these UFOs were going to war with us or some other species. It was a night none of us will never forget and I tell everyone I know about this experience. I have no reason to lie. Everything I said here was truth and i have 4 other witnesses telling the same story as me to anyone who believes.

The post Fleet of UFOs over Oak Lawn, IL. first appeared on The Black Vault Case Files.

The post Fleet of UFOs over Oak Lawn, IL. appeared first on The Black Vault Case Files.