A Quick Investigation

 

A few days ago, I received a call about a UFO sighting over the Midland-Odessa area in Texas. The description was of something high in the sky and close to the moon, meaning only that it looked like it was close based on the position of the moon and the object. It was apparently seen over a wide area and there were pictures of it available.

Frankly, I thought this was going to be another SpaceX launch, given the description and the apparent huge area over which this UFO was seen. I did find a picture or two, and it looked similar to those pictures of the SpaceX launches I had seen in the past, though not as clear and not as spectacular as some.

One of the Texas pictures of the SpaceX launch

The problem was I didn’t have an exact date. I checked the SpaceX website and there was a launch in the right time frame, but without the exact date, I couldn’t be sure. Over the next couple of days, I made periodic searches for more information and more data. I learned that the UFO was seen as far north as El Reno, Oklahoma, and there was a picture that was taken in Austin, Texas. That picture also left something to be desired, but it did remind me of those other SpaceX pictures I have seen.

When I found the proper date, I learned that the pictures and the sightings were of a SpaceX launch on the date of the sighting. Given the widespread nature of the sightings, given the photographic evidence, and given a launch from Florida at the time of the sightings, I must conclude that this was a SpaceX launch.

I started this with a verbal description of a UFO sighting, a suggestion of multiple witnesses, and a possible photograph. All important elements. Although this was spread out over days, in total time, probably less than an hour or two, didn’t require very much of my time. It was something accomplished at home, with Internet access, and a desire to be sure. It was an interesting diversion that has ended as an IFO… Identified Flying Object.