ufo_data/bin/ancient.txt
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23
Apr. 34 China. A white, round object, accompanied by 10 small stars, flew overhead. The pattern suggests the stars might have been in formation with the main object, making it an unusual possible meteor event.
24
61 China. Han Emperor Mingti experienced a vision of a golden figure enveloped in a halo of light, which various sources described as either a dream or an apparition. This figure was interpreted as a flying Apsara (Buddhist angel) or possibly the Buddha himself. As a result of this vision, the Emperor sent envoys to India to understand Buddhism better. The account does not specify any physical aerial object associated with the vision.
25
May. 21, 70 Jerusalem. Historian Flavius Josephus documented a remarkable sighting where, before sunset, chariots and armored troops were observed in the sky, seemingly racing among the clouds and encircling cities. This extraordinary event, although sounding like a fable, was vouched for by multiple witnesses. The importance of subsequent events added weight to these accounts, indicating that they were not mere tales or exaggerations.
26
Winter, 80 Caledon Wood, Scotland. During the Roman Emperor Agricola's time in Scotland, there were reports of mysterious flames illuminating the skies over Caledon Wood for an entire winter night. On clear nights, a fast-moving ship-like object was observed in the sky. Additionally, there were accounts of unusual events in Athol, such as a rain of stones and frogs, and nighttime visions of fiery battles in the sky. These events, rich in anomalies, intertwine with tales from Geoffrey of Monmouth's rendition of the King Arthur legend, where Arthur famously defeated the Saxons at Caledon Wood.
27
187 Rome, Italy. During the reign of Commodus, there were peculiar daytime sightings of stars that appeared throughout the entire day. According to Herodian, some of these stars seemed to elongate and hover in the middle of the air. These sightings were interpreted as unignited clouds being driven together, for they appeared illuminated at night but vanished when viewed from a distance during daylight.
28
Jan. 195 Rome, Italy. Bright stars were observed surrounding the sun during Julianus' Sacrifices of Entrance in front of the senate-house. These anomalous stars were so vivid that soldiers continually gazed at them, speculating an impending doom for the emperor. Concurrently, three leaders, Severus, Niger, and Albinus, each commanding vast legions, sought control of the region, potentially symbolized by these three stars. The nature of these "bright stars" remains unclear, though they were not simply a result of refraction.
29
235 Weinan, China. The army of Emperor Hou Chu witnessed a red object with pointed rays fly over them on three separate occasions. Despite being documented in a compilation of "shooting stars and meteors," the idea of a regular meteor passing multiple times over the army is highly improbable.
30
240 Che-chiang Province, China. Wang Shuh, while gathering medicinal herbs on T'ien Tai Mountain, took a rest and saw a small blue boy, over a foot long, in a brook. This boy rode on a red carp and both disappeared into a cloud. After a subsequent thunderstorm, the boy and carp reappeared and returned to the brook. The sighting, possessing attributes commonly ascribed to "dragons" in Chinese literature, remains unexplained by ordinary phenomena.
31
Mar. 260 China. Amidst a political crisis, while "hostage children" played together, a mysterious child, less than four feet tall, joined them. The child, with light rays flashing from his eyes, identified himself as the star-god Yunghuo (Mars) and delivered a prophecy that "The Three Lords will return to Ssu-ma." After conveying his message, he ascended to the heavens, leaving behind a trail resembling flowing silk. This event remained unreported due to the political turmoil, and years later the prophecy came to fruition as Hsiu was overthrown and power shifted to Ssu-ma.
32
Jan. 314 China. The Sun appeared to descend to the ground while three additional suns simultaneously rose from the western horizon and moved together towards the East. This description suggests a rare and unordinary phenomenon, but with limited information provided, a complete interpretation would require access to the original text.
33
334 Antioch, Turkey. A star-like object appeared in the eastern sky during daylight hours, emitting a significant amount of smoke, similar to that from a furnace, from the third to the fifth hour. Given its extended duration, it cannot be classified as a comet, and it persisted longer than typical meteors.
34
350 Emesa, Syria. Eusebios experienced an unexpected urge to travel to a hill with an ancient temple of Athena near Emesa at midnight. There, he witnessed a fireball descend, accompanied by a lion that quickly vanished. Approaching the cooled globe, Eusebios found the baitylos, a sacred meteorite. When he questioned the stone about its deity, it claimed to belong to "Gennaios, the Noble One." The baitylos, described as a whitish, occasionally purple-hued globe, displayed letters painted in cinnabar, a bright red pigment esteemed in antiquity. This baitylos's characteristics challenge common understanding of meteorites.
35
May. 7, 351 Jerusalem. As Cyril took over the leadership of the church of Jerusalem, a radiant and concentrated cross appeared in the skies. Measuring about fifteen stadia from Calvary to the Mount of Olives, this luminous cross was notably brighter than the sun and remained visible for several days. Its remarkable appearance caused widespread fear among the observers, as documented by Hermias Sozomen in his Ecclesiastical History.
36
393 Rome, Italy. A new and distinctive star, initially observed at midnight towards the east, was reportedly brighter than most, rivaling the luminosity of Venus. Surrounding this star, smaller star-like points clustered like bees around their queen. Later, its shape morphed, resembling a double-bladed sword. The celestial object moved distinctively across the sky, eventually settling in the Big Dipper and fading away after a forty-day journey. While it resembles descriptions of a comet, no corroborative record of such a cometary observation exists for this period.
37
396 Constantinople (Istanbul), Turkey. At nightfall, a fiery cloud appeared from the East, initially small, but as it neared the city, it expanded and ominously loomed over Constantinople. The fearful populace sought refuge in the Church, and upon the cloud's eventual dispersal, rumors spread that the city would be destroyed the following Sabbath. This led to a mass evacuation, including the Emperor. With the city ultimately remaining unscathed, St. Augustine pondered whether this event was a manifestation of God's wrath or mercy.
38
438 Constantinople (Istanbul), Turkey. In the aftermath of a devastating earthquake, as pestilence and famine spread and the city's walls and towers lay in ruins, the residents gathered in the countryside praying for their city's salvation. Amidst these dire circumstances, a miraculous event took place: a child was abruptly lifted into the air, disappearing from sight. Upon returning, he recounted to Patriarch Proclus, the Emperor, and the masses that he had witnessed a celestial chorus of angels singing praises. This astonishing event was widely seen by the city's inhabitants and was later commemorated annually in ecclesiastical annals and Greek church readings.
39
497 British Isles. Possibly 473 AD. A massive and bright globe was observed in the sky. From this globe emanated a second fiery ball which projected two distinct rays. One ray stretched out towards Gaul, while the other aimed towards the Irish Sea, subsequently splitting into seven smaller beams. The exact date of this event remains contested, with some sources pointing to 473 and others, like Roger of Wendover, suggesting 497.
40
507 Poitiers, France. As King Clovis sought to overcome the Visigoths and claim their French territories, he embarked on a night march directed by a bright meteor, likened to the biblical column of fire that guided the Israelites. This fiery signal, possibly coordinated with the cathedral of Poitiers, illuminated his path, leading him to victory against the Visigoths, subsequently culminating in the death of their king, Alaric II. Following this triumph, Clovis relocated the Frankish capital to Paris.
41
540 Rome, Italy. A small spark was observed descending from the sky to Earth. Upon nearing the Earth, it expanded, resembling an orb akin to the Moon and took on a disc-like shape. This celestial event was perceived as an omen, predicting significant societal unrest and grave misfortunes.
42
540 Monte Cassino, Italy. At dawn, Saint Benedict of Nursia witnessed an intense light that evolved into a fiery globe, illuminating the night brighter than day. As he gazed upon this brilliance, he perceived the entire world condensing under a single sunbeam and saw the soul of Germanus, Bishop of Capua, ascend to heaven within a flaming sphere accompanied by angels. Calling upon Servandus the Deacon as a witness, only a waning remnant of the light was visible to the latter. Upon investigation, it was discovered that Bishop Germanus had passed away at the exact moment of Saint Benedict's vision, suggesting a potential connection between the event and the Bishop's departure.
43
Nov. 596 Nara prefecture, West Japan. An object resembling a canopy or lotus flower was observed descending and hovering above the Houryuji temple. While suspended, it underwent various color and shape transformations.
44
Jun. 9, 597 Ireland. During a nighttime fishing session, multiple witnesses, including the narrator Adomnan, observed the sky suddenly illuminating. An immense pillar of fire ascended from the east, brightening the entire heavens as if it were midday. This extraordinary luminous column was seen not only by the group of Adomnan but also by various other fishermen scattered along the river. The intense light was then followed by profound darkness, resembling sunset.
45
May. 655 Katuragi Mountain near Nara, W. Japan} A figure resembling a Chinese man was observed riding a dragon in the sky. The details surrounding this event are sparse and its credibility is uncertain. It's mentioned in hopes of encouraging further exploration of ancient Asian sources for more information on this peculiar sighting.
46
664 Kent, England. During the night, an unusual pillar of light illuminated the hall of King Ecgbert I's palace, startling many of his household. The brightness led to widespread astonishment and cries, prompting the king to rise from his bed. As he left the house, he observed a brilliantly burning globe of white flame, which seemed to have originated from the aforementioned luminous pillar.
47
Sep. 6, 670 Nara Prefecture, Western Japan. A mysterious cloud resembling an umbrella manifested in the sky, accompanied by an unusual noise. While meteors can produce sounds, they are not typically described as "umbrella-shaped clouds." Due to the limited information available, the event remains unidentified and requires further research for a more comprehensive understanding.
48
675 Berecingum Convent, near London, England. While nuns at Berecingum (Barking) convent were praying at the tombs after matins, a brilliant light, described as a "great sheet," suddenly descended upon them, causing great amazement. This luminosity, brighter than the midday sun, subsequently moved to the south side of the monastery, where it lingered for a while before ascending back to the heavens. The event's nature left the witnesses convinced that the light symbolized a heavenly signal related to the souls' eternal journey. The described behavior of the light does not align with typical meteor activity.
49
Nov. 21, 684 Japan. At dusk, observers reported witnessing seven stars that appeared to "drift together" towards the north-east before disappearing below the horizon. Due to the limited details provided, it's challenging to determine the exact nature or origin of these so-called "drifting stars."
50
May. 698 Ireland. Observers reported seeing three "shields" in the sky, moving from the east to the west on the night of the Ascension of the Lord. The shields displayed distinct colors: one snowy, the second fiery, and the third bloody. These celestial phenomena were interpreted as omens, thought to presage upcoming misfortunes. Later that year, herds of cows across Ireland and other parts of Europe faced near devastation.
51
Jun. 741 Constantinople (Istanbul), Turkey. During the reign of Constantine, Copronymus, three columns of fire were observed in the sky in June and then again in September. A similar phenomenon was noted in 735 AD, described as a half-moon-shaped object in the northern part of the sky. This object gradually moved to the southern quadrant before returning northward and eventually disappearing below the horizon.
52
749 Ulster, Ireland. Aerial ships accompanied by their crews were observed in the sky above Cluain Moccu, as documented in the 15th century Annals of Ulster.
53
760 France. During Pepin le Bref's reign, the skies over France reportedly exhibited numerous unusual phenomena, including human figures, ships with sails, and warring armies. Several individuals even claimed they were abducted by beings from the air. However, the original source of this information remains elusive and might have been influenced by the Comte De Gabalis written in 1670 by Abbe N. de Montfaucon de Villars.
54
776 Syburg Castle, Germany. During a rebellion against Charlemagne, the Saxons besieged Syburg Castle. As they were about to storm the castle, they reportedly witnessed two flaming, shield-like objects hovering above the church. This sight instilled panic among the Saxons, causing them to retreat in chaos. In their terrified state, many inadvertently harmed or killed their fellow soldiers while fleeing.
55
811 Near Aachen on Via Aquisgrana, Germany. Emperor Charlemagne witnessed a large flaming globe moving across the sky from east to west during a campaign against the Danes in Saxony. As he observed the unusual celestial event, he was thrown off his horse, which might have been startled by the spectacle. The emperor's fall was so forceful that his cloak buckle broke and his sword belt shattered. Additionally, a javelin he held was thrown about twenty feet away from where he landed.
56
813 Santiago de Compostela, Spain. A hermit named Pelayo heard music and witnessed a unique shining star above Mount Libredon, an ancient Celtic sacred site. This celestial sighting led to the naming of the location as "Campus Stellae," meaning "field of the star," which evolved into "Compostela." After an investigation initiated by Bishop Teodomiro, the tomb of the Apostle was discovered. King Alphonse II designated Saint James as the patron of his empire and constructed a chapel on the site, which eventually became the renowned Santiago de Compostela Cathedral, attracting numerous pilgrims.
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814 China. A bright object ascended and illuminated the terrain below. Numerous smaller "stars" were observed emerging from this luminous entity.
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815 Lyons, France. Saint Agobard, the Archbishop of Lyons, wrote extensively against the superstitions of his time. Among these was the popular belief in a region called "MAGONIA" from where ships would fly and sail upon clouds. These ships allegedly transported goods that had been damaged by storms or hail, after a transaction with 'Tempestaires'. In one notable event, four individuals, three men and a woman, were believed to have fallen from such a ship and were brought forth to be stoned. Saint Agobard intervened and saved their lives, expressing skepticism about the reality of these supposed ships and the beliefs associated with them.
59
817 China. A luminous globe was observed directly overhead, accompanied by a trailing tail. It moved at a slow pace towards the West, beneath the moon. Witnesses reported hearing sounds reminiscent of birds during the event. The sighting is notable due to the globe's unhurried movement, which is atypical for meteors, and the associated auditory phenomena.
60
827 Barcelona, Spain. Eginard reports "terrible things in the sky" emitting pale or red lights during the night, coinciding with Pepin's war campaign. The nature of these lights, distinct from meteors, adds to the challenge of interpretation.
61
840 China. Witness accounts describe the appearance of two "sacred lamps" during the early night. The first lamp, initially the size of a begging bowl, grew to that of a small house, atop a ridge east of the terrace across the valley. The crowd, deeply moved, chanted the name of His Holiness as the second lamp emerged, initially resembling a rain straw hat and gradually expanding. The two lights, shining ardently and spaced approximately 100 steps apart, faded and became invisible around midnight.
62
Nov. 879 China. An anomalous sighting records the energetic clash of two "suns" in the sky, reminiscent of a battle. On a separate day within the same month, two suns engaged in combat before eventually merging into one. This phenomenon bears resemblance to a similar event described in a Japanese account noted in case 69.
63
Apr. 25, 880 Montserrat-Santa Cova, Spain. Approximate date. Seven young children from Monistrol in Barcelona witness an enigmatic light descending from the sky and moving towards a small grotto on Montserrat mountain, accompanied by a soft melody. A week later, a group of priests led by the Bishop of Manresa also observes the phenomenon. For four consecutive Saturdays, the light reappears in the sky and descends towards the mountain grotto. Investigating further, seven men follow the light's indication to Santa Cova area, where they discover an image of a black virgin emitting a magical light and pleasant aroma. Attempts to relocate the sculpture to Manresa prove futile due to its increasing weight, leading to the establishment of a hermitage named after St. Mary at the original site.
64
Sep. 3, 881 Japan. Unusual celestial activity is documented as two stars manifest in the sky, engaging in peculiar maneuvers that involve merging and separating. This observation mirrors a similar pattern detailed in case 67 from China, suggesting a shared phenomenon across regions.
65
Mar. 900 China. The New Book of the Tang documents two significant celestial phenomena. In the year of Guang Hua, a large, yellow, star-like object, roughly 500 meters square, is observed flying southwest with a pointed head and cylindrical rear. Another account describes a "star-like object," five times larger than the previous one, flying northwest. As it descended to around thirty meters above the ground, witnesses noted red-orange flames emitted from its upper part. The object exhibited snake-like movements and was accompanied by sudden appearances and disappearances of numerous small stars.
66
905 China. A notable sighting involves the appearance of a sizable fiery globe in the sky's zenith, which proceeded to move towards the northwest. This globe halted about 100 feet away while numerous small stars circulated above it. The phenomenon left behind a greenish vapor, adding to the intrigue of the event.
67
919 Hungary. Witnesses report the sighting of luminous spherical objects resembling stars, accompanied by a bright torch-like presence. These bright spheres exhibit erratic movements, moving back and forth across the sky, captivating the attention of observers.
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May. 12, 922 Bulgaria. During an ambassadorial mission led by Susan ar-Rassi in Almush's country, a peculiar sky phenomenon occurred. As described by the mission's secretary, Ahmad ibn-Fadlan, the sky's horizon turned red, accompanied by loud sounds and commotion during the usual prayer hour before sunset. A red cloud was observed, bearing figures resembling men and horses. These figures wielded weapons and engaged in combat with another group, also visible within the cloud. A black armed group appeared alongside the red one. The event continued for some time, and both ibn-Fadlan and ar-Rassi described the occurrence, noting two red clouds. Ambassador ar-Rassi's account added that the phenomenon started an hour before sunset, lasting until approximately 1:00 A.M. King Almush attributed the event to "Jinni," believed by his forefathers to be responsible for such sightings.
69
Mar. 927 Reims, France. An unusual sighting is documented in Reims, where an "army of fire" appeared in the sky on a Sunday morning in March. This sighting was followed by an outbreak of pestilence, as noted by Flodoard. The description lacks a clear correlation to known optical or atmospheric phenomena, contributing to the mystery of the event.
70
944 Trans-Rhenan Germany. Reports indicate the sighting of burning iron globes in the sky, with some causing damage to farms and houses as they flew. However, in certain areas, these iron globes were thwarted by countermeasures involving crucifixes, episcopal blessings, and holy water, successfully repelling the anomalous objects.
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Sep. 9, 967 Japan. Witnesses observe a formation of numerous objects arranged in a triangular pattern, flying beneath rain clouds with an east-west trajectory. The distinct triangular formation and the presence of rain clouds challenge a meteoric interpretation of the event, if the description is considered reliable.
72
989 Constantinople (Istanbul), Turkey. A phenomenon resembling a "comet" is observed in the western sky after sunset. Unlike a typical comet, this object rises in the evening and exhibits erratic behavior, constantly changing its position and displaying sudden, rapid movements. The bright rays it emits are visible from a significant distance. The unsettling movements of this celestial anomaly evoke awe and fear among witnesses, leading them to interpret the event as an ominous sign. The occurrence coincides with a powerful earthquake that destroys the towers of Byzantium, aligning with the foreboding expectations associated with the phenomenon. While the description seems inconsistent with a typical comet, the possibility of confusion exists, as another comet was visible around the same time according to historical records.
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Aug. 3, 989 Japan. A remarkable event unfolds as three bright objects in the sky undergo an extraordinary transformation, becoming luminous in an unusual manner. These three objects converge and meet at a singular point along their trajectories, creating a unique and intriguing celestial spectacle.
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998 Budapest, Hungary. King Stephen (Istvan), the crowned King of Hungary from 997 to 1038, is reported to have experienced frequent aerial episodes. Documented by his biographer, Chartruiz, Bishop of Hungary, these events sometimes occurred spiritually and at other times physically. One instance, as recounted in Chartruis' Life of St. Stephen, describes the king being elevated into the air by the hands of angels while he was engaged in prayer within his tent.
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999 Abbey of Saint-Leger, Cote d'Or, France. Rodulphus Glaber, a monk and chronicler, recounts a personal encounter with a disturbing apparition at the Abbey. During the night, before Matines, he witnessed a grotesque humanoid figure with peculiar features appear at the foot of his bed. The creature had a frail neck, black eyes, a wrinkled forehead, pointed ears, and other unsettling characteristics. The figure forcefully shook his bed and uttered the words, "You will not stay here any longer." Terrified, Glaber woke up and continued to see the figure, gnashing its teeth and repeating the same phrase. Disturbed by the encounter, he hurried to the monastery, confessing his sins and seeking solace at the altar of Saint Benedict.
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Apr. 25, 1001 Foggia, Italy. The Count of Aviemore, seeking shelter in a rustic hut after a day of hunting, is roused from his sleep by frightened servants and friends. They report strange flashes and urge the hunters to flee, fearing a forest fire. Instead of joining them, the Count decides to investigate the phenomenon. Approaching the source of the flashes, he discovers a peculiar light and a luminous lady amidst the flashes, whom he identifies as the Virgin Mary. Witnessing the same vision, a farmer named Nicholas hears a request from the apparition for a place of worship to be established. The construction of a chapel at the site leads to the emergence of a pilgrimage center, eventually evolving into a monastery under the Verginiani and later the Cistercians. The basilica's recognition comes from Pope Paul VI on 31 May 1978.
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1010 Ostium, Italy. Peter Damian, the Cardinal-Bishop of Ostium, documents an incident involving the abduction of a five-year-old nobleman's son. The child was taken from a monastery to a locked mill during the night, only to be found there the next morning. The boy recounted being carried by strangers to a grand feast and then placed into the mill through its roof. This early account highlights the theme of interactions between human witnesses and beings from another realm, which would later evolve into beliefs about fairies, elementals, and otherworldly creatures. The description of great feasts and abductees being offered food resonates with fairy folklore, while the act of being pulled through the roof finds parallels in modern UFO abduction accounts.
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Jul. 7, 1015 Kyoto, Western Japan. The Director General of Saemonfu, part of the Royal Guard, recounts an event where he observed two stars converging at night. As they approached within approximately 10 meters of each other, small stars emerged from each of the larger stars and swiftly moved towards the opposite big star, only to return to their respective originating stars. Subsequently, the two primary stars swiftly departed, followed by the appearance of clouds that covered the sky. This extraordinary occurrence of celestial interaction, though noted in ancient times, had become a rarity, leaving a lasting impression on the witness due to its uncommon nature.
79
Fall, 1023 France. In the southern sky within the Sign of the Lion, a remarkable sight unfolds as two stars engage in a prolonged celestial ballet. Throughout the autumn season, the larger and more luminous star approaches from the east, while the smaller one approaches from the west. The smaller star exhibits furious and fearful movements, aggressively charging towards the larger star. However, the larger star's radiant mane serves as a defensive barrier, repelling the smaller star and forcing it to retreat far towards the east. This intricate and dynamic display of celestial interaction captivates observers during the autumn months.
80
1036 Taichang, China. In an intriguing event, a cloud reportedly descends from the sky, carrying a female entity identified as the goddess Zigu. The cloud enters the bedroom of Wang's daughter, and Zigu engages with the girl. The goddess possesses the ability to write and is described as remarkably attractive. Standing on a cloud that hovers beneath her feet, Zigu demonstrates effortless and swift movement. She offers the daughter an opportunity to travel with her, and when the girl agrees, clouds form in the courtyard to lift her. However, Zigu instructs the girl to remove her dusty shoes before ascending, and once done, the girl rises on the clouds, which carry her into the sky.
81
1045 England. During the reign of Emperor Henry III in Rome, an event is documented involving the abduction of a purported "witch" by a devil. The witch was reportedly drawn behind the devil on his horse with a frightful cry, then lifted into the air and carried away. The cries of the old woman were heard for several hours over a distance of nearly four miles in the country. This account aligns with a recurring theme of stories involving witches being transported through paranormal or non-human means, often associated with demonic entities.
82
1050 Vinland (Newfoundland). The Greenlanders Saga recounts an encounter involving Gudrid, who sat beside her son's cradle when a shadow fell across the doorway and a woman in a black dress entered. The woman had light-brown hair, large eyes, and introduced herself as Gudrid. As the two Gudrids conversed, a loud crack was heard, and the visiting woman vanished from sight. Simultaneously, a skirmish took place between a Skraling and a house carle of Karlsefne's, resulting in the Skraling's death. This incident, although debated as a possible ghost story rather than a UFO case, bears similarities to the contemporary motif of "Woman-in-black" encounters, aligning with narratives of modern alien visitations.
83
Apr. 14, 1054 Rome, Italy. On the day of Pope Leo IX's departure, a remarkable celestial event occurs around midday. Documented in the Tractatus de Ecclesia S. Petri Aldeburgensi, a bright and extraordinary circle appears in the sky, radiating brightness for about half an hour. This phenomenon is observed not only in Rome but also worldwide, symbolically believed to signify the Pope's worthiness of a heavenly crown. Although later suggested as a supernova, the Crab Nebula's recorded sighting by Chinese astronomers three months later brings into question the initial interpretation. The Flemish chronicler's description highlights the appearance of a bright disk-like shape, emphasizing the object's intense brightness and duration, while the document separates the observation from any specific belief system.
84
1059 Fanliang, China. In the midst of Emperor Jia You's reign, a remarkable sighting is documented by Chinese scholar Sheng Gua. A massive luminous pearl is observed under gloomy skies, making appearances over a ten-year period. This radiant object travels from the marshes of Tianchang district through Bishe Lake to eventually vanish into Xinkai Lake. The pearl's radiance is so intense that it illuminates the surroundings, and it even enlarges significantly at one point, emitting a white and silvery center that is almost blinding. The pearl's luminosity reaches faraway trees, casting shadows on the ground and lighting up the distant sky. Captivated by these appearances, the inhabitants construct a "Pearl Pavilion" in the town of Fanliang, where people from various places gather by boat, hoping for a glimpse of this enigmatic phenomenon.
85
1067 Northumbria, England. Numerous individuals witnessed an inexplicable fiery sign in the sky that resembled fire, burning fiercely and illuminating the surroundings. The phenomenon drew close to the earth, providing a brief but intense illumination, then began to revolve and ascend high into the sky, eventually descending into the depths of the sea. Its presence caused the burning of woods and plains in various areas. This enigmatic event occurred in the Northumbrian region and recurred twice within a single year, leaving observers puzzled about its meaning and significance.
86
Dec. 1071 Zhengjiang, China. Renowned scholar Su Dongpo witnessed an extraordinary event as a large light emerged from the Yangtse River. The sight of this phenomenon caused a disturbance among mountain birds, as they were frightened by the unusual occurrence.
87
Jul. 1085 Estella, Navarra, Spain. In Estella, Navarra, a remarkable event unfolded as a significant star and the Holy Virgin were witnessed by a group of shepherds on a mountain. The presence of the Virgin and the extraordinary star led to the establishment of a sanctuary in the area, attracting a multitude of pilgrims. King Sancho Ramirez played a role in the construction of the sanctuary, solidifying its significance. A plaque within the chapel commemorates the event, stating that the star descended from the sky to Estella for its observation and protection.
88
1092 Drutsk and Polotsk, Ukraine. The year 1092 marked the first recorded instance of the Devil's Hunt phenomenon in folklore. In Drutsk, a massive sign resembling a large circle emerged in the sky, and shortly afterward, similar signs manifested in Polotsk. Mysterious sounds resembling the galloping of men on horseback were heard, causing fear and devastation. People in Polotsk were terrified by the nighttime noises of what were believed to be demons running through the streets, causing harm to anyone who ventured outside. Later, these entities appeared on horseback during the day, with only the hooves of their horses being visible. These events were associated with a period of dry weather, forest fires, and deaths, leading to the interpretation of demonic activity.
89
Jul. 1096 Japan. In an unspecified location, ten flying objects were observed coming together to form a necklace-like arrangement in the sky towards the northwest. Unfortunately, due to the lack of an original quote or detailed information, further analysis of this event is limited.
90
Sep. 15, 1098 Antioch, Turkey. During the First Crusade, historical accounts from Raymond d'Aguiliers and Alfred of Aachen describe a remarkable celestial event. A large star appeared over the city of Antioch in the night sky, which eventually split into three parts and descended onto the camp of the Turks. The star's fiery and luminous appearance captivated the Christian guards on duty, forming a dense group resembling a scintillating globe. The phenomenon continued to evolve, eventually shaping itself into a crown-like formation above the city before breaking into a new pattern and path.
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1100 Germany. An account speaks of prodigious signs in the sun, the sky, and on the earth that ignited fervor for an upcoming Crusade. A priest named Suigger reported witnessing two knights engaged in an aerial battle, where one carried a large cross and ultimately triumphed. People in the fields claimed to have seen an airborne image of a city, with diverse troops converging on it from various directions. Many individuals displayed a divine imprint of the cross on their clothing, foreheads, or bodies, believing this marked their destined service to God.
92
Feb. 11, 1110 Pechorsky Monastery, Russia. A fiery omen took place at the Pechorsky monastery, where a pillar of fire reaching from the ground to the sky appeared. Lightning illuminated the earth, and thunder resounded in the first hour of the night. Initially, the fiery pillar hovered over the monastery dining room, obscuring the cross, and later moved to the church, then to Feodosiev's tomb. Eventually, it ascended to the top of the church, facing eastward, before vanishing. This phenomenon was believed to be an angelic apparition, consistent with angels often appearing as fiery columns or flames.
93
1130 Bohemia, Czechoslovakia. A recorded sighting describes a flying sign or "monster" resembling a flying serpent that appeared in the skies over Bohemia. This sighting is documented by two distinct historians. It's worth considering the possibility that this sighting could have been attributed to a natural phenomenon.
94
Aug. 12, 1133 Japan. A large silvery object reportedly descended close to the ground in a close encounter. However, due to the lack of an actual quote, the details of this case are uncertain and should be taken with reservations.
95
1142 Bohemia, Czechoslovakia. A sighting of a flying phenomenon resembling a "flying dragon" occurred over Bohemia, similar to a previous case from 1130. The nature of these reports suggests possible natural phenomena or misinterpretations.
96
1155 Rome, Italy. During the coronation of Federico Barbarossa by Pope Eugene III, three lights and a cross formed by stars were observed in the sky. This event took place during a significant historical moment and was marked by the appearance of these celestial phenomena.
97
1161 Thann, Alsace, France. In the village of Thann, three lights or luminous objects were witnessed in the sky by the Lord of Engelburg. This event occurred in conjunction with the theft of a relic from the body of Saint Ubald by a servant, who hid it in a walking stick planted next to a pine tree. The three aerial lights were observed hovering over the tree, and the next day, the servant found his stick immobilized. The phenomenon left a lasting impression, leading to the construction of a chapel to commemorate the event. To this day, the "cremation des trois sapins" celebration occurs annually in Thann, involving the burning of three fir-trees to honor the foundation legend.
98
Dec. 25, 1167 England. On Christmas Day, two "fiery stars" were observed in the western sky. According to Nicholas Trivetus' account in the Annales, one of the stars was large, and the other was small. Initially appearing as one unit, they later separated distinctly and remained visible for an extended period. The sighting, witnessed during the watch night (vigilia) of the Lord's Nativity, holds historical significance, although the exact location in England where this event took place remains uncertain.
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1169 China. During a thunderstorm in the fifth year of the K'ien Tao era (now known as Qiandao), two dragons were witnessed engaged in a battle in the sky. As they departed, pearls resembling carriage wheels fell from the sky and landed on the ground. This event is recorded in the history of the Song Dynasty and highlights a remarkable celestial occurrence involving dragon-like creatures and the unusual appearance of pearls.
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1171 Teruel, Aragon, Spain. During the Reconquest of Spain, King Alfonso II and his soldiers witnessed a perplexing event. While advancing towards Teruel, they observed a wandering bull accompanied by a luminous, star-like object in the sky. According to local tradition, this celestial phenomenon was interpreted as a sign, prompting the warriors to disregard the king's orders. Guided by their dreams and the enigmatic display, they established a new town by capturing the fortress of Teruel, an event that continues to be depicted on the town's emblem featuring a bull and a star. This blending of historical events and legendary symbolism underscores the significance of celestial occurrences in shaping historical narratives.
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Jun. 18, 1178 Canterbury, England. Gervase of Canterbury documented a remarkable celestial event around an hour after sunset. Observers witnessed the upper horn of the bright new moon suddenly splitting into two, with a flaming torch erupting from the division point. The moon appeared to writhe and throb, emitting fire, hot coals, and sparks, a phenomenon that recurred multiple times and turned the moon blackish along its length. While some theories linked this event to the lunar crater Giordano Bruno's formation, later calculations challenged this explanation due to the potential catastrophic effects it would have had on Earth. The precise nature of the phenomenon witnessed by Gervase's contemporaries remains a mystery, raising questions about its true origin and implications.
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Oct. 27, 1180 Kii Sanchi, Nara, Japan. Witnesses reported observing a luminous "earthenware vessel," potentially resembling a saucer, maneuvering in the sky between Kyushu's mountains. The object altered its trajectory, moving northeast towards Mount Fukuhara, then sharply changing course to the south before disappearing, leaving behind a glowing trail. The description hints at a possible unidentified flying object encounter during this historical event.
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1182 Friesland, Holland. According to the chronicler Winsemius, a peculiar sighting occurred involving the appearance of four suns in the sky along with a group of armed men. Additionally, there were reports of a rain of blood. This historical account describes an anomalous atmospheric phenomenon that intrigued witnesses during that time.
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1185 Mount Nyoigadake, Japan. Fishermen reported witnessing an unusual event where red beams appeared behind the mountain, followed by the sighting of a luminous wheel-like object flying across the sky and eventually entering the sea. This mysterious phenomenon caught the attention of the witnesses and remains an intriguing account of a pre-industrial anomalous sighting.
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Aug. 9, 1189 Dunstaple, Bedfordshire, England. In the afternoon, numerous astonished observers witnessed a remarkable event as the sky seemed to "open up," revealing a large cross and the image of a crucified man, resembling church depictions of Christ. This awe-inspiring vision lingered in the clear atmosphere, captivating those who looked up. The cross eventually separated from the crucified figure, leaving a gap between them before vanishing entirely. Chronicler William of Newburgh documented this prodigious occurrence, alongside other accounts like those by writers Thomas Wykes, Wilhelmus Parvus, and Walther of Hermingford, in their historical and philosophical writings.
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Jun. 7, 1193 London, England. On the 7th of June, around 6 o'clock, a dense black cloud emerged in the sky despite the clear sunshine. Within the heart of the cloud, an aperture formed, from which a brilliant white ball of light emerged. This luminous sphere remained suspended like a hovering orb beneath the dark cloud, positioned over the Thames River near the Bishop of Norwich's Palace.
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Late Dec. 1200 Yorkshire, England. During the third year of King John's reign, an extraordinary phenomenon occurred in Yorkshire. Five moons were reported to have appeared in the sky, arranged in formation - one each in the East, West, North, and South, with the fifth moon positioned amidst the others. This central moon was surrounded by numerous blazing stars, and it encircled the other moons five or six times over the course of about an hour before disappearing shortly thereafter.
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Sep. 14, 1224 Mount Alverne, Italy. Brother Leo's account describes a mystical event atop Mount Alverne. As St. Francis of Assisi engaged in conversation with an unseen entity, Brother Leo observed a suspended ball of light above him. During this interaction, voices exchanged questions and answers. St. Francis, in a humble manner, repeated inquiries about his identity and that of the divine. St. Francis extended his hand into his bosom thrice, reaching toward the light, which eventually vanished along with the conversation. This incident serves as a unique link between atmospheric lights, luminous ground-level orbs, and the concept of ethereal communication.
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May. 3, 1232 Caravaca, Spain. Luminous occurrences accompanied the descent of a double-armed cross, believed to have been brought down by an entity resembling an angel. This event, steeped in religious significance, has endured as a legend, recounted by various authors. The 13th-century Franciscan Juan Gil (Egidio) de Zamora's account holds particular authority. He narrates that two angels conveyed the cross into the church. Presently, the fate of the original artifact is uncertain; the cross on display in Caravaca's sanctuary is a replica, as the original was likely stolen in 1934, potentially by a cult.
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Oct. 2, 1235 Japan. At around 8 P.M. under clear skies, Suketoshi Abe, a fortune teller and advisor to Shogun Yoritsune Fujiwara, informed the palace of peculiar luminous phenomena observed in the southwest. These enigmatic lights were witnessed swaying and encircling in the sky throughout the night. In response, Yoritsune initiated an inquiry, engaging his astrology consultants skilled in astronomy. These experts dismissed the phenomenon as mere star movement caused by the wind, even suggesting that Abe should apologize. Yasutoki Houjo, a high-ranking government official, rejected this assertion.
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1237 El Puig, Valencia. Over the course of four consecutive Saturdays, a sequence of seven unexplained lights manifested in the night sky. The lights appeared to descend from above, entering the earth at a specific location. As recounted in Tirso de Molina's Historia de la Orden de la Merced, these luminous stars descended atop the summit near the El Puig fortress. Guards stationed there reported the phenomenon to Pedro Nolasco and the mayor. Intrigued by the possible significance, they investigated the site and unearthed a hidden treasure: a bell and a sculpted image of the Virgin Mary. Grateful for these gifts, Nolasco later constructed an altar at the site, attributing the findings to angelic intervention or divine providence.
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Jul. 24, 1239 France. During the evening twilight, in clear and serene skies, an extraordinary event unfolded. A large star-like object emerged, resembling a torch, ascending from the south. Alongside it, a substantial light emanated at a higher altitude. The object altered its course, shifting toward the north in the higher regions of the sky. The peculiar pattern of movement, distinct from natural occurrences, suggests that this phenomenon was not a conventional star but rather an anomalous sighting.
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1252 Padua, Italy. Recorded in the Cronaca di Rolandino da Padova, an intriguing event is recounted by a witness. A massive star-like object, similar to a comet but without a tail, appeared as a remarkable and portentous phenomenon. Its size approached that of the moon, and it exhibited swifter movement than the moon, resembling the speed of falling stars. Lasting for an hour, the object disappeared after its observation. The description distinguishes it from comets or meteors, suggesting it was an exceptional and distinct occurrence.
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Oct. 14, 1253 England. Nicholas of Findern relayed an extraordinary account to Burton Abbey. As vespers approached and the sky remained clear, a significant luminous star emerged from a dark cloud, accompanied by two smaller stars nearby. An intense celestial conflict unfolded, resembling a battle, with the smaller stars repeatedly engaging the larger one. This skirmish caused the prominent star to diminish in size, while sparks of fire emanated from the celestial combatants. This puzzling spectacle continued for a substantial duration, leaving onlookers both amazed and fearful. In their confusion and ignorance of its significance, the observers eventually fled the scene.
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Sep. 12, 1271 Japan. At the stroke of midnight, Nichiren Shonin, one of Japan's prominent saints, was being led to the beach for execution. However, a momentous intervention occurred just before his impending fate. A radiant sphere, comparable in size to the moon, soared across the sky, illuminating the surroundings. The extraordinary sight struck fear into the hearts of the authorities, leading them to reconsider their decision to execute Shonin. Instead, they opted to exile him to Sado Island. Despite his exile, Shonin's teachings endured, and a branch of his doctrines, the Sokka-Gakkei, now boasts a substantial global following.
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1273 Naples, Italy. During an illness that occurred around the year before his death, St. Thomas Aquinas returned to Naples for a brief stay. According to his biography, while he was there, two monks observed an unusual event. A substantial light, likened to a large star, entered the room through a window. This luminous entity briefly rested on the head of the ailing man before vanishing in the same manner it had appeared. While the connection with ufology is debated, researchers exploring abduction phenomena have shown heightened interest in such narratives.
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Jun. 3, 1277 China. Liou Ying, a Yuan Dynasty poet, detailed an extraordinary dawn event in a poem titled "Event Seen at Dawn." The poet described witnessing a remarkably bright star crossing the Milky Way, followed by the appearance of three luminous objects in the southern sky. Two of these objects vanished, while the remaining one displayed five exceptional lights underneath and a dome-like structure above. The enigmatic object exhibited zigzag movement akin to a falling leaf, and a fiery object descended from the sky. As the sun rose, its radiance was obscured by the swift-moving luminous object heading north. A green cloud in the western sky was disturbed by another oval-shaped, flame-surrounded object that rapidly descended and ascended. Liou Ying documented this surreal occurrence, seeking explanation for the mesmerizing spectacle.
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1284. Saint Rufiino, Parma, Italy. The Chronicon Parmesan, authored by the Franciscan monk Salimbene de Adam, recounted a remarkable occurrence. On 6 August 1284, the naval battle of Meloria between Genoa and Pisa took place. However, in the town of Saint Rufiino, within Parma's diocese, some women engaged in washing linen at night observed an extraordinary event. Two sizable stars were seen approaching each other in the sky, then moving apart, only to collide again repeatedly, chasing one another. This celestial phenomenon appeared to foreshadow and announce the forthcoming battle and its tragic outcome between the Genoese and Pisan forces.
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Aug. 3, 1294 Japan. Amidst a parade, an intriguing event unfolded. A red shining object emerged, seemingly originating from a shrine. Resembling the Moon, this object traversed the sky in a northerly direction. While the precise location remains unspecified, this sighting of a luminous and enigmatic object during a public event offers a glimpse into historical anomalous occurrences.
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May. 1295 Hing, China. In the fifth month of the year yih-wei, an unusual event transpired. A phenomenon characterized by a powerful wind riding on the water occurred, reaching considerable heights. Subsequently, more than ten fireballs, resembling houses in size, descended from the sky. These fireballs were described as dragons. In response to their descent, two dragons swiftly ascended to the sky, driven away by sacred fire sent by Heaven, supposedly to prevent potential calamity. Cheu Mih, the 14th-century chronicler, noted another incident involving a dragonfall, during which a dragon fell and was subsequently burned by terrestrial fire, indicating the dragons' aversion to fire.
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Sep. 8, 1296 Loreto, Italy. In the period before dawn, an extraordinary event unfolded in the skies over Loreto. Repeatedly, enigmatic globes of light manifested, displaying a peculiar behavior of descending, stopping, and suddenly vanishing. This phenomenon was observed by a hermit named Paul Selva, who later documented his experiences in a letter addressed to Charles II in June 1297. These luminous manifestations took on an elliptical shape. Mantovano, a writer who sourced information from records dating back to 1300, described the phenomenon as a brilliantly bright comet-like object, measuring twelve feet in length and six in width. However, the object's characteristics clearly distinguished it from a conventional comet.
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Dec. 24, 1299 Tier (Treves), Germany. The Chronicle of the Archbishops of Trier, known as the Gesta Trevirensium Archiepiscoporum, documents an intriguing celestial occurrence. Employing the term "cometa," which could signify various luminous sky objects rather than solely a comet as defined today, the chronicle describes an unusual phenomenon. Just past midnight, during misty and frosty conditions, a comet-like object emerged in the sky, resembling the size of the moon and radiating a fiery red hue. This object persisted for an hour before vanishing. Subsequently, two more comets manifested in quick succession, positioned near each other and resembling the earlier one in size and color. These too swiftly disappeared. A third appearance followed after a brief interval, mirroring its predecessors in size and color, and similarly vanished promptly. The peculiar behavior of these objects deviates from conventional celestial patterns.
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1320 Saint Leonard, Durham, England. Following the passing of the Abbott of Saint Gregory monastery, a remarkable occurrence unfolded. An unidentified object, described as "a great light," illuminated the sky above his burial site in Saint Leonard. This luminous phenomenon initially hovered at a higher altitude before descending, moving away, and ultimately vanishing. The event's symbolic significance and interpretation leave room for debate regarding its potential connection to ufology or other mysterious phenomena.
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Nov. 4, 1322 Uxbridge, England. During the first hour of the night, a remarkable celestial event occurred over Uxbridge. A pillar of fire, resembling a small boat in size, appeared in the sky with a pale and livid hue. This column of light ascended from the south, traversed the heavens with deliberate and solemn movement, and proceeded northward. A fervent red flame emerged from the front of the pillar, accompanied by intense beams of light. The object's speed increased as it flew through the air, leading to reported collisions and the sounds of impactful crashes in the distance. The object's slow and deliberate motion contradicts characteristics of comets or meteors, raising questions about its nature.
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1347 Florence, Italy. Approximate date. During the period of the Black Plague between 1347 and 1350, strange cigar-shaped objects are reported to have been observed crossing the sky at a leisurely pace, sometimes flying at low altitudes and emitting a disconcerting mist. Writer Gianfranco degli Esposti suggests a connection between these objects and the outbreak of the Black Plague, noting that the epidemic emerged soon after these unusual sightings. In Florence, a vast mass of vapors emerged from the northern sky, subsequently spreading across the land. Additionally, many animals reportedly fell from the sky in the East during the same year, releasing decaying carcasses that contributed to foul air and the rapid spread of the deadly disease. The Black Plague claimed a significant number of lives, particularly in Florence where it caused the death of 60,000 people.
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Jul. 20, 1349. Japan. In an unspecified location, two luminous objects materialized in the sky, emerging respectively from the southeast and northwest. These objects engaged in a dramatic and forceful collision, seemingly performing intricate maneuvers, including acrobatic movements, while emitting flashes of light. The nature of this unusual event, characterized by the appearance and interaction of these shining objects, remains enigmatic and intriguing.
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Feb. 5, 1355 Suzhou (Pingjiang), Jiangsu province, China. A puzzling event occurred, marked by a significant noise originating from the sky. This phenomenon was accompanied by the sighting of a large, black cloud illuminated by flames and lights. The cloud was peculiarly laden with what appeared to be troops. This anomalous occurrence also resulted in substantial physical destruction. The enigmatic nature of these events raises questions about their origin and purpose.
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Summer, 1360 England and France. During this season, in desolate regions of both England and France, a peculiar phenomenon unfolded. Two towers suddenly materialized in the sky, visible to many. From these towers emerged two distinct armies. One of these armies bore a warlike emblem on their headgear, while the other was clad in black. A subsequent encounter saw the warrior forces triumphing over the black-clad contingent, before returning to their respective tower. The entire spectacle then disappeared, leaving behind a baffling and unexplained event of armies and towers in the sky.
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1361 Yamaguchi Prefecture, Western Japan. An intriguing account describes an incident where a drum-shaped object, measuring around six meters in diameter, emerged from the sea. This enigmatic object took flight, passing overhead in a westerly direction. While an exact reference to this event has not been identified, its widespread mention across databases and websites has contributed to its inclusion within anomalous sighting records. The peculiar nature of a drum-like object emerging from the sea and taking flight raises questions about the event's origin and meaning.
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Feb. 1382 Paris, France. In the lead-up to the Maillets uprising, an extraordinary event unfolded. Over a span of eight days, a fiery and flashing globe of light was observed. This luminous phenomenon exhibited a unique behavior, moving from door to door above the city of Paris. Notably, this roaming globe did not coincide with any wind agitation, lightning, or thunderous noise. Despite its dazzling presence, the weather remained consistently calm and serene throughout this remarkable occurrence.
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1384 Caravaca, Spain. In 1384, an unusual occurrence involving aerial lights took place. As the Caravaca cross was being transported from the village of Caravaca in Murcia to Lorca y Totan, two lights in the sky were observed accompanying the cross-bearers throughout the journey. These lights persisted until the cross was in its intended location, suggesting a connection between the lights and the holy relic. The Caravaca cross itself was surrounded by various legends and stories of miraculous events, including teleportation and instances of attracting luminous phenomena.
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Jul. 15, 1385 London and Dover, England. A remarkable event occurred simultaneously in both London and Dover. Following sunset, a peculiar phenomenon manifested in the southern skies, resembling a head-shaped fire. This fiery shape extended towards the northern part of the heavens and then proceeded to divide itself into three distinct parts. These segments of light exhibited movement akin to a bird in flight. Eventually, the three parts merged back into one, and the entire spectacle vanished suddenly. The nature and behavior of these lights remain mysterious and unexplained.
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Oct. 14, 1387 Leicester and Derbyshire, England. A remarkable phenomenon akin to fire was observed in multiple locations across the kingdom of England. This appearance displayed varying forms, shifting from one to another, over the course of several months, particularly in November and December. The diverse forms included a burning revolving wheel, a round barrel emitting flames from above, and a long fiery beam. This phenomenon persisted through a substantial part of the winter, with heightened activity notably observed in the counties of Leicester and Northants. The true nature of this event, marked by its fire-like shapes, remains enigmatic.
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1390 Bologna, Italy. A peculiar incident is reported involving an observer of the Asinelli Tower. The guardian of the tower reportedly witnessed a rotating "ball of fire" hovering above the roofs. Intriguingly, within this fiery object, the faces of some devils were discerned, seemingly attempting to peer outside. The nature and origin of this phenomenon, characterized by the presence of unknown creatures and a fiery vehicle, remain shrouded in mystery, offering a glimpse into the enigmatic anomalies witnessed during that time.
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Jan. 26, 1390 Messina, Sicily, Italy. An intriguing event occurred in Messina during the night hours. An unusual sight was witnessed as a light descended from the sky above the Cross, positioned atop the dome of the Monastery of the Fathers of St. Salvadore. This phenomenon left the monks in astonishment, though the exact duration of the sighting was uncertain. The light, observed for around half an hour, eventually ascended back into the heavens. Given the prolonged duration and distinct behavior, this event stands out as uncommon and distinct from typical meteor phenomena.
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Winter, 1394 England. Historical accounts, including Raphael Holinshed's chronicle, report a strange phenomenon in various parts of England. During the night, a fiery apparition resembling a wheel or barrel of fire was seen by many. This enigmatic object exhibited peculiar behavior, often accompanying individuals and remaining stationary when they did. The descriptions vary, depicting the object as a turning wheel, a round barrel emitting flames at its head, or even a long burning lance. The nature of this phenomenon, with its persistent presence and distinctive attributes, contrasts with typical meteoric occurrences.
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Sep. 2, 1394 Forli, Italy. During the second hour of the night, observers in Forli witnessed an immense celestial object, referred to as an "asub," moving slowly across the sky. The event lasted for approximately the time it would take to say two "Paternoster" prayers. Witnesses reported a distinct smell resembling burning wood, and some accounts even mentioned the object remaining stationary in the sky for a period of time. The unusual characteristics of the sighting and its duration make it unlikely to be a conventional astronomical or meteorological occurrence.
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1395 Languedoc, France. Witnesses reported a peculiar aerial event where a large star and five smaller ones were observed in the sky. The smaller stars appeared to engage in a sort of combat with the larger one, chasing it for about half an hour. An audible voice was also heard from the sky. During the event, a figure resembling a man made of copper was seen, wielding a spear and emitting fire. This figure apparently grabbed the large star, struck it, and following this interaction, the phenomenon ceased. The strange and detailed nature of the account makes it unlikely to be a typical astronomical occurrence.
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Sep. 16, 1408 Rome, Italy. Three "stars" were observed flying over Rome in a formation. Antonio Di Pietro, a Vatican canon, documented the incident in his Diarium Romanum (Diary of Rome), noting that the event occurred after sunset. One large, beautiful star appeared to originate from the sky of Tarrione, moving towards Castel Sant' Angel, accompanied by two smaller, bright stars. The spectacle left observers greatly surprised. While the phenomenon could be interpreted as an unconventional meteor train, the simultaneous appearance of multiple bright objects flying in formation adds an unusual element to the account.
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Jul. 1420 Castle Godego, Treviso, Italy. Hungarian merchant Peter Tagliamento was leading cattle to Bassano del Grappa when he lost his way in a dense area near Castel di Godego. Amid shadows and silence, he prayed for help and was suddenly greeted by a brilliant light. In this light, he saw a beautiful young woman who guided him to the road and requested the construction of a chapel at the site. She left a cross in the ground as evidence of her visit. Though met with skepticism at first, the cross's discovery convinced the community of Godego to build the chapel, becoming a focal point for solemn processions.
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Mar. 3, 1428 Forli, Italy. Around 1:30 A.M., a fiery lamp resembling a tower-shaped flame was observed in the sky for approximately two hours. The city archives also document the sighting of a very high flame resembling a column of fire ascending into the air.
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Jan. 5, 1433 Nice, France. A luminous globe appeared in the sky and remained visible for several hours. This phenomenon was reported by Abbe Joseph Bonifacy, who noted the presence of the luminous globe in the air on that specific date.
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Jun. 1444 Bibbiena, Arezzo, Italy. Witnesses reported sightings of unexplained golden globes of light over a period of three months. These lights were observed both inside and outside a church. Don Massimo, a Benedictine monk, documented the sightings and described the globes as thick as a printing press. Lorenzo Piovano of Bibbiena also witnessed the lights, which emitted a remarkable sweetness. While some individuals did not see the lights, they did notice the distinctive scent described by witnesses.
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May. 29, 1453 Constantinople. During the siege by the Turks, a phenomenon of descending fire from the sky was witnessed every night over the city. Initially interpreted as a sign of God's wrath and impending destruction, the Christians later perceived it as a sign of divine support due to their early success against the Turks. The phenomenon's behavior changed on the night before the Turks were planning to lift the siege the heavenly sign appeared to be far away, scattered quickly, and then vanished, leading the sultan and his court to experience joy.
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Late Dec. 1456 Piacenza, Italy. The Annali Piacentini by Antonio da Ripalta records the appearance of four remarkable stars that moved from east to west in a configuration almost resembling a cross.
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Mar. 7, 1458 Kyoto, Japan. Five "stars" were observed circling the moon, undergoing three color changes before suddenly disappearing.
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Oct. 1461 Metz, France. Between Saint Remy's day (October 1st) and All Saints' Day (November 1st), numerous large and marvelous firebrands were observed in the air, lasting for about 7.5 minutes each time and seen twice. Some witnesses also reported seeing what appeared to be a battle with accompanying noise. While the meteor showers Draconids and Orionids could have caused the visual phenomenon, the reported noise and uproar suggest a more complex event.
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Nov. 1, 1461 Arras, France. On All Saints Day, an unusual object resembling burning steel was witnessed in the sky. It was as large as half the moon and remained stationary for fifteen minutes before starting to spiral upwards, then rolling and spinning like a loose watch spring. The object eventually disappeared into the sky.
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Feb. 19, 1465. Italy. 19-21 February 1465. In the morning at daybreak, several signs were observed in the sky, including a remarkable event on the 19th. A large, flaming ship-like object appeared in the northern sky, and this sighting was repeated on the following days, though not at the same time. These unusual aerial phenomena captured the attention of observers during that period.
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Mar. 8, 1468 Mount Kasuga, Japan. During the nighttime hours, a dark object was observed taking off from Mount Kasuga and flying towards the bay of Osaka. It emitted a sound resembling a spinning wheel as it moved. The estimated size of the object was 9 by 6 feet.
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Sep. 27, 1477 Japan. A luminous object was observed traversing the sky, followed by the descent of an unfamiliar cotton-like substance over a span of six hours. The exact nature and origin of the object and substance remained unidentified.
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1478 Milan, Italy. During a battle, two unexplained flying objects are witnessed. An accompanying engraving in Lycosthenes' edition depicts the scene, although it's uncertain whether the image was specifically created for the book or reused from other sources.
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1479 Arabia. A pointed object resembling a "comet" is observed in the sky. An engraving accompanies the account, but there are doubts about its authenticity and origin, as it looks similar to drawings of multi-stage rockets developed around the same period. The illustration's source and accuracy remain uncertain.
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Oct. 18, 1482 Albisola, Savona Province, Italy. During a territorial dispute between the villages of Albisola and Stella, a dazzling white cloud appeared in a clear sky. The cloud emitted intense light, seemingly collecting all sunlight, and a clear, sweet voice repeated the word "peace" three times. This sudden phenomenon halted the ongoing battle as fighters were stunned and astonished by the event, leading them to abandon their weapons.
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Aug. 1487 Forli, Italy. Early in the morning, a large star-like object appeared in the sky, resembling a flying butterfly. Witnesses, including peasants with loaded carts heading to Forli, observed this phenomenon as it moved from the mountains towards Ravenna. The object was also described as resembling a floating cartwheel. The event lasted only a short time, intriguing those who saw it and sparking discussions among the witnesses about its nature.
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1491 Vladimir, Russia. A remarkable event occurred in the city of Vladimir, where witnesses reported seeing a frightful and awe-inspiring apparition in the sky. The event involved the appearance of a figure resembling the Saint Grand Prince Alexander Nevsky rising in the air above a stone church and the abbot's residence. This figure was seen on a white horse, surrounded by a bright, white cloud or thin smoke. The spectacle left the observers frightened, prompting the ringing of bells throughout the city. The event was interpreted as a sign of divine wrath, urging people towards repentance.
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Aug. 13, 1491 Milan, Italy. Philosopher Facius Cardan had an encounter with seven enigmatic figures in his study. According to his son Jerome, who recorded the event, these beings appeared dressed in silken garments similar to Greek togas, with radiant breastplates and unique undergarments of crimson color. Two of them, seemingly of higher status, were dressed distinctively. These figures claimed to be composed of air and subject to birth and death, though their lifespans exceeded those of humans, potentially reaching three hundred years. During their interaction, they discussed various philosophical topics, including the nature of the universe and the mortality of the soul. The encounter lasted for more than three hours and left Cardan with profound insights and intriguing perspectives.
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Oct. 11, 1492 Guanahany, Bahamas. Christopher Columbus and a crew member observed a small light two hours before midnight. Columbus initially saw the light on the quarter-deck, but it appeared so diminutive that he hesitated to confirm it as land. He called upon Pero Gutierrez and Rodrigo Sanchez of Segovia to witness the light, but only Gutierrez could see it from his vantage point. The light seemed to move like a flickering candle, prompting speculation that it might indicate the presence of land. Columbus was convinced that land was nearby and urged his crew to keep a vigilant watch for it. He offered a reward, including a silken jacket, to the first person who spotted land, in addition to the King and Queen's promised annuity.
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1494 Apulia, Italy. During the arrival of King Charles VIII in Naples, three suns were reportedly observed in the night sky amidst a cloud-covered backdrop. The phenomenon was accompanied by intense lightning and unsettling thunder, creating an awe-inspiring spectacle.
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Sep. 20, 1498 Japan. An unidentified bright object resembling an umbrella was sighted crossing the sky accompanied by a rumbling sound.
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1499 South Atlantic, off Africa. During Pedro Alvares Cabral's expedition, a luminous object was observed in the southern sky for 8 minutes as they sailed around Africa. The object's appearance was followed by a hurricane that caused significant damage to the expedition. While six ships were lost, the remaining seven continued their journey to the Americas, eventually bringing back valuable spices and news of the discovery of Brazil and Madagascar.
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1501 Between Urbino and Gubbio, central Italy. In 1501, a phenomenon described as a "horrible appearance in the stormy sky" was witnessed between Urbino and Gubbio. This event was reported by the Florentine physician Antonio Benivieni, who noted that it caused many abortions. The description of this event as a "monstrous" occurrence is reminiscent of historical UFO sightings, suggesting a possible connection to unidentified flying objects.
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Sep. 29, 1504 Tirano, Val Poschiavo, Italy. Mario Omodei experienced a remarkable event in his garden at dawn. He was surrounded by a bright light, heard a voice calling his name, and was lifted from the ground. He found himself transported to a location owned by Alojsio Quadrio, where he encountered an even more dazzling vision that he interpreted as the Virgin Mary. This luminous apparition, resembling a 14-year old girl, instructed him to build a temple dedicated to her. The temple was eventually completed in 1513 and consecrated in 1528, following this extraordinary encounter.
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Mar. 19, 1509 Villefranche-du-Rouergue. A man named Collongis encountered an extraordinary event while attempting to free a stuck cart in a river. After praying, he witnessed a being surrounded by blinding light, accompanied by twelve other figures that he interpreted as the Virgin Mary and the Apostles. These figures walked on thirteen stones used for crossing the river and then disappeared to the West. Miraculously, as they vanished, Collongis found that his cart had been freed from the mud. This event led to the establishment of the Chapel of the Thirteen Stones on July 1, 1510, following an investigation by the bishop of Rodez.
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1513 Rome, Italy. The renowned sculptor Michelangelo Buonarroti reported sighting a triangular light with three distinct tails of varying colors. This remarkable event, witnessed on a calm night, led Michelangelo to paint an image of the phenomenon. Unfortunately, the painting has not survived over time. According to the account in Benedictine chronicler Benedetto Lushino's book "Vulnera Diligentis," the triangular sign resembled a star with a silvery tail, a red tail, and a fiery and bifurcated third tail.
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Nov. 8, 1517 Moldavia, Romania. A significant event occurred when a prominent blue sign resembling a human face appeared in the sky. The 17th-century Moldavian chronicler Grigore Ureche documented this occurrence, describing the face-like object shining brightly in the sky. After a period of remaining motionless, the object eventually concealed itself once more within the sky.
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Apr. 1518 Yucatan, Mexico. Spanish conquistador Juan de Grijalva reported a remarkable event where a star-like object appeared above their ship in the evening. The object exhibited movement and emitted continuous rays of light as it moved toward a nearby town or village, leaving a visible trail in the air that endured for three hours. This extraordinary sighting, accompanied by other clear signs, led the crew to interpret it as a divine message, signaling the divine will for them to settle in the village of Coatzalcoalco.
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1520 Hereford, England. An anomalous event involving thermal effects occurred in which a massive beam of fire was witnessed in the sky. As it descended towards the Earth, its intense heat caused damage to various objects. Subsequently, the fiery beam ascended back into the sky, transforming its appearance into that of a circular ring of fire. This unusual sighting, documented by Lycosthenes in his Prodigiorum ac Ostentorum Chronicon, left an impression of both wonder and mystery.
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1521 Cuenca, Spain. Dr. Eugenio Torralba had a remarkable encounter with an entity named "Zekiel" who imparted secrets and knowledge to him. This being allegedly flew Torralba to Rome, leading to his fame and medical success. Cervantes even mentioned Torralba in Don Quijote for his extraordinary journey. However, Torralba's association with Zekiel attracted the attention of the Inquisition, which accused him of heretical practices. Torralba was arrested in 1528, subjected to torture, and imprisoned. Despite his release and the condition to avoid contact with Zekiel, the episode remained a mixture of blessing and curse in his life.
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1523 Changsu, Jiangsu Province, China. A fascinating account is documented in the Chinese book "Stories in a Summerhouse of Flowers" by Qiu Fuzuo. The story tells of a teacher named Lii Yu who witnessed two large ships flying over the clouds during incessant rain. These ships carried two tall men, each twelve feet tall, dressed in multicolored clothes and holding poles. The men's actions left observers speechless, and they even turned the scholars' mouths black with a gesture. A figure resembling an old scholar emerged on one of the ships, escorted by a bonze, and the ships eventually departed, leaving a lasting impression on those who witnessed the event.
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1526 Rome, Italy. Inquisitor Paulus Grillandus recounted a tale of demonic transportation involving a countryman in Rome. The man's wife participated in a witch gathering and later transported him through two he-goats. At the gathering, he witnessed famous individuals pledging allegiance to the Devil, engaging in dances and banquets. When he accidentally uttered the word "God" and requested salt, everything vanished. He found himself naked near Benevento, far from Rome, and eventually returned home. This account illustrates the complex beliefs surrounding supernatural experiences and the differing perspectives of medieval demonologists, from skeptics attributing such events to mental illusions to "true believers" embracing the supernatural. Some contemporary researchers speculate that similar phenomena might occur in altered states of consciousness rather than the physical world.
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1528 Utrecht, Netherlands. A yellow object with a cross-like appearance was observed in the sky during the siege of Utrecht. This phenomenon created panic among the town's inhabitants while the attackers interpreted it as a positive omen for their impending success. The sky sign, resembling a cross of a yellowish color, had a terrible aspect and was associated with the symbol of Burgundy. This event illustrates how celestial occurrences could influence the emotions and beliefs of people during historical conflicts, shaping their perceptions and expectations.
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Oct. 9, 1528 Westrie, Northern Germany. A terrifying and unusual sighting was recorded by Pierre Boaistuau in his Histoires Prodigieuses. Ambroise Paré described a blood-red 'comet' that emerged from the east and was visible for about an hour and fifteen minutes, disappearing towards midday. This object caused panic and illness among the populace, leading to deaths due to fear. The 'comet' had a distinctive appearance with an arm holding a great sword pointing downwards, accompanied by stars and a multitude of axes, blades, and repulsive human faces.
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Aug. 1533 Peru. Garcilaso de la Vega, the Incan, documented the sighting of an unusual greenish-black 'comet' in his work Historic General del Peru. This comet had distinctive features, being narrower than a man's body and longer than a pike, and was observed by many witnesses on multiple occasions at night. The sight of this mysterious object intensified Tupac Huallpa's fear of his own death, as a similar phenomenon had been seen before his father's death. Despite being accustomed to heavenly phenomena, Huallpa found this 'comet' to be different from the ordinary kind. Tragically, Tupac Huallpa was executed on 29 August 1533.
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May. 31, 1536 Monte Stella, Brescia, Lombardy, Italy. Antonio de' Antoni, a deaf-mute shepherd from Gardone Val Trompia, was reciting the rosary when he witnessed an intense light. Within this light, the Virgin Mary appeared, holding Jesus in her arms. She appeared dressed simply and conveyed a message to the shepherds that they should build a temple at that location. Antonio shared the experience with others, and upon his return, the site was illuminated by the beams of an overhead star. Pope Paul III granted the location a consecrated status, and a temple was constructed there by 1539.
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1537 Near Florence, Italy. Benvenuto Cellini, a renowned artist, recounts an incident in his autobiography. While he was riding back to Florence from Rome, a large and brilliantly shining object of fire was seen in the sky. People observed this extraordinary phenomenon and were amazed by its dazzling splendor.
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Jan. 16, 1538 In Franconia, Thuringia, Germany. A significant sighting was recorded where a large "star" was observed in the sky. This celestial object descended gradually, transforming into a large white circle. It emitted whirlwinds and clumps of fire that fell to the earth. These fiery fragments had the remarkable effect of melting the tips of spears, irons, and even horses' bits, without causing harm to people or buildings.
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May. 15, 1544 In Nay, Beam, France. An anomalous event occurred involving an object resembling a fiery sword or described as three fireballs. This object hovered over the town before crashing down with a terrifying noise, ultimately demolishing a house upon impact.
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1546 In Caranza near La Spezia, Italy. Farmers reported witnessing a peculiar event involving a disk that changed colors from yellow to red. This disk was accompanied by red fireballs shining beneath it. The phenomenon was observed in multiple areas, including the village of Caranza near Passo del Bocco, occurring intermittently. Chronicler Father Antonio Cesena recorded this event, interpreting it as a sign of the impending death of Count Luigi Fieschi, the governor of Varese Ligure, which occurred later that year.
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Apr. 24, 1547 In Halberstadt, Saxony, Germany. Witnesses reported sighting a black ball-shaped object that appeared to emerge from the middle of the moon. This mysterious object then rapidly flew towards the North.
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Nov. 13, 1547 Near Rome, Italy. At 3 P.M., witnesses observed a rod and a cross in the sky, accompanied by a bird-like object situated above them. The sky was clear and calm, and these objects remained visible for three consecutive days. This event was depicted in a German broadsheet found in the Johann Jacob Wick's collection, preserved by the Zurich Zentralbibliothek.
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Dec. 15, 1547 Hamburg, Germany. At midnight, sailors in Hamburg witnessed a luminous globe with intense heat, resembling the Sun, moving northward through the sky. The globe emitted scorching rays that were so powerful that they compelled ship passengers to seek shelter, fearing their vessels might ignite."
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Jun. 28, 1548 Oettingen, Bavaria. The sky darkened as approximately twenty flying "vehicles" accompanied by red flames were observed maneuvering above the houses. This unusual spectacle occurred on multiple occasions, specifically on 28 June and 26 July 1548 in Oettingen, Bavaria.
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Jun. 19, 1550 Near Trebnitz, Saxony, Germany. Residents of Saxonia, close to Wittemberg, were witness to an extraordinary event as described in Histoires Prodigieuses. A sizable cross materialized in the sky, encircled by two large warring armies generating cacophonous sounds. The heavens released blood-like rain, while the sun appeared to fracture into two segments, with one portion seemingly descending toward the earth. Despite some discrepancies in details, a contemporary 1550 broadsheet corroborated Fincelius' account, validating the occurrence of this remarkable phenomenon.
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Oct. 15, 1550 Biubiu River, Chile. Pedro de Valdivia, a conquistador who played a prominent role in the conquest of Chile, documented an anomalous event in an instruction to his representatives. He recounted that Mapuche Indians encountered two enigmatic figures preceding an attack. The beings, a beautiful woman and an old man on a white horse, both attired in white garments, appeared to warn the Indians against retaliating. The woman disappeared, and the devil subsequently reiterated the message. Valdivia's report also included an account of a comet falling with exceptional brightness three days prior, from which the woman emerged, while the devil followed to instruct the Indians to gather a large force. This encounter and its prophetic nature prompted Valdivia to reflect on the divine cult and the displacement of devilish worship.
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1551 Morbecque, France. Approximate data. Jacquemine Deickens, wife of Hirache, faced accusations of sorcery after encountering a being believed to be the Devil while milking cows. Allegedly engaging in intimate relations with the entity, she bore a mark on her back beneath her left shoulder blade as evidence of her wrongdoing. This woman, known as a flying contactee, was said to have flown out of her house every few weeks to rendezvous with fellow witches at a crossroads near Pierre Depours' residence. They engaged in dancing and feasting with numerous demons. Eventually, in 1557, she stood trial, found guilty, and was executed for these purported activities.
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1551 Near Waldstadt, Germany. Following a drinking party, a woman who had spoken blasphemies was reportedly lifted into the air by the devil while onlookers observed. Spectators hurried outside to track her flight, witnessing her suspended in the sky above the village. To their astonishment, she then plummeted from the heavens and was discovered lifeless in a field, marking a bizarre occurrence that illustrated the dramatic consequences believed to be linked to her interaction with the devil.
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Jan. 3, 1551 Lisbon, Portugal. Reports of flying red cylinders in the sky spread fear among the population. It's worth mentioning that another account mentions a "fiery meteor" sighted on 28 January, coinciding with a significant earthquake. However, due to the lack of a specific source, it's uncertain whether these two reports might be conflated or confused with each other.
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Mar. 1551 Magdeburg, Germany. A remarkable celestial event unfolded as three suns appeared in the sky, prompting Emperor Charles Quint to cease the siege of the city. Although details are limited, this occurrence could possibly be attributed to parhelia, also known as "sun dogs." Historians note that despite the initial siege by Emperor Charles V, he was persuaded to retreat his forces in exchange for a substantial sum of money.
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Jan. 13, 1553 Porco, Peru. An extraordinary atmospheric event unfolded, leaving a deep impression on the people. Above Porco, three suns and two moons appeared within a great ring, along with two blue and red arches. Concurrently, a comet with a fiery and blood-red appearance emerged outside the ring, marked by a distinct, curly head and tail. Despite its cometary description, this phenomenon was not consistent with a typical comet or aurora borealis, occurring at 7 A.M. The indigenous reactions to this event were intense, marked by astonishment and utterances signifying apprehension and impending catastrophe. This occurrence's social impact and its connection to subsequent events, including the demise of key figures, further fueled its mystique. The multifaceted nature of the phenomena indicates an intricate interplay of highly unusual atmospheric conditions.
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Feb. 1, 1554 Salon de Provence, France. Dr. Nostradamus, along with numerous witnesses, reported an astonishing celestial occurrence between 7 and 8 P.M. A large "bright burning rod" manifested in the sky, displaying remarkable behavior for two hours. The phenomenon, initially resembling a blazing staff or torch, emitted intense brightness and fiery spurts akin to a smith's forge. It traveled rapidly with roaring thunderous sounds, possibly propelled by strong winds, and eventually altered its course over a span of 20 minutes. The object transitioned southward, releasing a fiery stream that lingered. Nostradamus perceived it as an ominous omen, foretelling potential calamities for Provence and its ruler, potentially involving war, fire, famine, or foreign subjugation. This perplexing event was witnessed by over a thousand people and left an indelible mark on its observers, prompting Nostradamus to communicate its significance to the Duke of Tende.
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Jun. 13, 1554 Iena, Germany. A significant sighting occurred as numerous spheres and disks traversed the skies over the city of Iena. These objects displayed rapid changes in speed and, notably, shifted in color to red while heading northward, creating an enigmatic and memorable phenomenon for observers in the area.
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Mar. 5, 1555 Buendia, Cuenca, Spain. On Tuesday, March 5th, 1555, a significant sighting took place in Buendia, Cuenca, Spain. Numerous witnesses observed an immense cross-shaped object suspended in the sky beside a newly constructed calvary, a representation of a crucifix on elevated ground. This hovering cross remained stationary, prompting the involvement of the Inquisition of Cuenca, who dispatched an investigator. A total of nineteen individuals recounted the event to notaries, underscoring its relevance as an unidentified aerial phenomenon, albeit within a religious context.
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Apr. 14, 1561 Nuremberg, Germany. At sunrise, a remarkable phenomenon unfolded, captivating the observers. Numerous red, blue, and black spheres and disks emerged from two vertical cylinders, initiating an apparent aerial battle. These objects traversed the sky across the Sun's face, creating a spectacle akin to conflict. A contemporary engraving portrays some of these spheres landing on a hill near the city, accompanied by rising smoke. The imagery includes an elongated form resembling a large black spear in a horizontal position. The report describes not just spheres and disks but also two large pipes within which smaller and larger pipes contained three or more balls. This aerial skirmish persisted for about an hour before culminating in a dramatic descent toward the Earth, accompanied by intense smoke and apparent combustion.
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Mar. 1, 1564 Near Brussels, Belgium. A startling event transpired between Mechelen and Brussels, documented in Gilbert's Annalen for 1806. Initially clear, the sky's complexion shifted around 9 o'clock to a fiery hue, casting a yellowish tint over the surroundings. Amidst this, three regally adorned figures with crowns atop their heads emerged in the sky, remaining visible for nearly three-fourths of an hour before gradually converging and vanishing over the following 15 minutes. Subsequently, a distressing phenomenon ensued as stones of varying sizes, some as heavy as five or six pounds, rained down from the heavens. Notably, no evidence of these stones entering collections has been reported.
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Aug. 7, 1566 Basel, Switzerland. An extraordinary occurrence unfolded as the sun rose. A multitude of sizable black spheres streaked through the sky, rapidly approaching the Sun and subsequently reversing course, seemingly engaged in aerial combat, colliding as if locked in battle. During this encounter, a number of spheres transformed into fiery red objects before undergoing disintegration and extinguishment. A contemporary engraving captures this event, portraying the spheres above the "Munster" cathedral alongside the Antistitium.
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Apr. 7, 1567 Basel, Switzerland. A mysterious event unfolded as a black sphere manifested in the sky, effectively obscuring the Sun's face. This enigmatic object remained visible throughout the entire day, leaving observers perplexed by its presence and its impact on the natural illumination.
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Sep. 26, 1568 Tournai, Belgium. Remarkable celestial phenomena unfolded between the seventh and twelfth hours in the evening. Initially, luminous circles resembling fire with sun-like rays emitting water-like trails captured observers' attention. Subsequently, a dark cloud materialized, followed by the appearance of substantial lights. Following their departure, an intriguing scene unfolded as figures on horseback engaged in combat, resembling skirmishing musketeers. The ground was illuminated by sparkling fire, creating a striking spectacle. While a potential interpretation could involve an aurora borealis, insufficient information is available to confirm, necessitating a cautious approach to understanding this event.
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Jul. 20, 1571 Prague, Czechoslovakia. Around midnight, an extraordinary event unfolded in the skies above Prague. A powerful wind resembling an earthquake roused the populace, leading them to their windows. From the direction of the cattle fair, witnesses observed what appeared to be a marching army advancing along Spalena Street. These soldiers, armed and eerie in appearance, were followed by an unusual round object, akin to a "chariot," being drawn by oxen. The metallic, wheel-less object emitted loud noises and was accompanied by eight human figures with no faces but wearing large spurs on their feet, adding to the commotion. As the procession crossed the square, a fire materialized near the Church of the Sacred Heart, adjacent to numerous boxes and barrels resembling containers for gunpowder. The chariot converged with the fire, consuming the boxes and barrels. Subsequently, a wind and fiery rain arose, leading to the vanishing of the unsettling scene, leaving behind a luminous circle of fire that persisted until dawn. The year was marked by a great famine and significant mortality.
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Sep. 20, 1571 Lepanto, Italy. During the night of September 20th, a remarkable phenomenon occurred over Lepanto. A colossal flaming column, radiating light and fire, traversed the sky for an extended duration. Alberto Guglielmotti, the official historian of the papal fleet of Rome, documented this event based on the accounts of witnesses Sereno and Caracciolo. This celestial display was perceived as a miraculous sign, evoking awe and admiration among observers. Many interpreted the fiery column as a positive omen, guiding the Christian fleet's course at sea, analogous to the biblical narrative of the Israelites' desert journey. On October 7th, the Christian fleet achieved a significant victory over Selim II, the Sultan of Turkey, near Lepanto's shores, aligning with the sensed premonition of triumph.
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Feb. 16, 1572 Constantinople, Turkey. The inhabitants of Constantinople were astonished by the presence of cross-shaped objects flying above their city, forming a perplexing phenomenon. These crosses, believed to bring comfort to captive Christians and bewilderment to the Turks and Jews, appeared consecutively for three days over different Turkish mosques. Witnessed by all in the vicinity, the crosses hovered above mosque roofs, undergoing continuous color changes. While Christians found joy and wonder in the sight, the Turks experienced confusion and unrest. Attempts by the Turks to interpret the event led to suspicions of Christian magic. In response, they engaged in violent combat against Christians, even shooting at the crosses. However, the crosses would vanish temporarily when threatened, only to swiftly reappear, adding to the mystique surrounding the event.
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Nov. 15, 1572 Romerswil, Switzerland. Hans Buchmann, a Swiss farmer, experienced an extraordinary incident in which he vanished from his village of Romerswil. His absence led his family to believe he had been murdered by a family rival, Klaus Buchmann. However, four weeks later, it was revealed that Hans Buchmann had reappeared in Milan, Italy, two and a half months after his disappearance. His return shocked his family, as he was devoid of hair on his head, face, and chin, with a swollen face rendering him almost unrecognizable. During his interrogation, he recounted his unsettling experience of hearing strange music in a forest and subsequently losing consciousness as he was lifted into the air. He found himself in Milan after two weeks, weak and disoriented, having undergone an abduction that defied explanation.
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Jan. 29, 1574 Japan. An unexplained event took place in an undisclosed location in Japan, where a significant umbrella-shaped object was observed flying through the sky. This object emitted light that illuminated both the sky above and the ground below. The occurrence repeated itself on two distinct occasions, contributing to the enigmatic nature of the phenomenon.
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Dec. 21, 1576 Mount Kasuga in Japan. An hour-long sighting of a wheel-shaped object flying over the castle occurred. Regrettably, no historical sources are available for this intriguing incident, underscoring the need for additional examination by experts acquainted with Japanese chronicles.
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Dec. 5, 1577 Near Tubingen, Germany. A remarkable celestial event unfolded as numerous black clouds formed around the Sun, reminiscent of storm clouds. Subsequently, clouds resembling blood and fire emerged from the Sun, followed by others that were saffron yellow. These celestial manifestations gave rise to luminous effects that resembled large, broad hats in various colors including red, blue, green, and notably, black. The landscape itself took on a remarkable appearance, appearing yellow, bloody, and covered with these enigmatic hats. The event was interpreted as a divine sign, prompting contemplation, repentance, and penance among observers.
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Dec. 21, 1578 Geneva, Switzerland. An intriguing pamphlet titled "Marvellous and terrifying discourse of the signs and prodigies that appeared over the city of Geneva the 21 day of December 1578," penned by G. Stadius, a prominent mathematician and astronomer affiliated with the Duke of Savoy, chronicles a range of extraordinary occurrences. These peculiar phenomena encompass a comet adorned with a small cross, alluding to a comet that appeared over the city during this time. The pamphlet's contents underscore the awe-inspiring and unsettling nature of these events that captured the attention and imagination of the populace.
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Feb. 18, 1579 Paris, France. An event of curiosity unfolded as a "great and wondrous flying serpent or dragon" made an appearance, as documented in a contemporary leaflet or "canard." This remarkable sighting captured the attention of numerous individuals in Paris, commencing at two o'clock in the afternoon and continuing until evening. The peculiar nature of this aerial phenomenon stirred intrigue and wonder among those who witnessed the spectacle.
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Feb. 7, 1580 Straits of Magellan. In Pedro Sarmiento de Gamboa's account titled "Viajes al Estrecho de Magallanes," a captivating sighting is detailed from his travels to the Strait of Magellan in 1579 and 1581. At 1:00 A.M. on Thursday, February 7th, 1580, a remarkable event occurred as a red, fiery object resembling a shield emerged in the sky to the south-southeast. This object gradually transformed, elongating as it moved over a mountain, eventually adopting the appearance of a half-moon, with shades of red and white. Sarmiento de Gamboa likened the object to an "adarga," a type of shield used in the era of Don Quijote.
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1586 Grangemuir, Scotland. Alison Pearson, a woman, admitted to encountering the "Good Neighbors," supernatural beings who bestowed upon her a potent healing salve with the ability to cure all ailments. She recounted an encounter with a green-clad man and a group of merrymaking men and women accompanied by music. Subsequently, she claimed to have been taken away by these beings. Her confessions led to her trial and execution in the same year. Notably, despite her fate, she had applied the salve to the Archbishop of Saint Andrews, who attested to its efficacy.
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1586 Beauvais sous Matha near Tors, France. The poet Theodore Agrippa d'Aubigne and the Marquis de Tors witnessed an unusual event. They observed a brown cloud in the sky resembling a hat with a disturbing red coloration. The cloud descended over the hamlet of Beauvais-sous-Matha, close to the steeple, shortly before sunset. The cloud's appearance was described as resembling a hat with an ear in the middle, the color akin to the throat of an Indian rooster. The cloud eventually reached the steeple and dissipated.
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Jan. 12, 1589 Saint-Denis, France. A text published around 1599 recounts an extraordinary sighting. Two large clouds were observed between Paris and St. Denis at night, emitting intense light. These clouds moved towards each other, joined briefly, and then separated, giving rise to numerous fiery arrows and spears that engaged in a prolonged celestial combat. Eventually, they retreated and continued their journey southwards, passing over the City of Paris. Additionally, on January 13, a remarkable sight was witnessed, consisting of a large crescent shape in the sky with a star above it, resembling a bright comet. The populace was astonished, and prayers were offered for divine protection.
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1590 Scotland. Peasants reported to the shire reeve that they had observed a sizeable tubular object hovering over their town. The object remained stationary in the sky for a few minutes before disappearing. While there are numerous references to this event, an original source for this account has not yet been identified.
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1592 Pinner, Middlesex, England. Farm worker Richard Burt encountered a being he described as a "large black cat" and was transported magically to Harrow through what seemed to be a mysterious event.
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Oct. 15, 1595 Targoviste, Wallachia, Romania. During the siege of Targoviste by Prince Michel the Brave against the occupying Turks, a large comet-like object was reported to have appeared above the military camp and remained stationary for approximately two hours. This event is described in an Italian report that was redacted in Prague. Interestingly, there is no corresponding record of this comet-like object in astronomical records. Subsequently, three days after the appearance of the object, the Turks were defeated by Prince Michel's forces.
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Jan. 23, 1603 Besançon, France. During the evening hours, a peculiar phenomenon occurred over the city. Witnesses reported a great light in the sky, forming a heavy, round-shaped cloud with a reddish hue. The cloud remained nearly motionless above Mount Saint Etienne, then descended slowly, casting its light on nearby streets and buildings. The phenomenon persisted for approximately two hours, traversing various parts of the city, including over the Saint Vincent Abbey and the cathedral, before eventually disappearing. The source of this event is an account by a visitor to Sainte Claire monastery in Besançon.
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May. 1606 Kyoto, near Nijo Castle, Japan. Witnesses, including samurais, reported seeing balls of fire flying over Kyoto during this period. On one particular night, a red wheel-shaped object was observed hovering above Nijo Castle. However, no original Japanese source for this intriguing event has been found.
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1608 Between Angoulême and Cognac, France. A clear and calm day turned unusual when a multitude of small, thick clouds appeared and descended to the ground. These clouds transformed into an estimated 10,000 to 12,000 warrior-like figures, tall and handsome, clad in blue armor and marching behind red and blue banners. This spectacle caused both peasants and nobility to gather and observe the procession. As the figures approached a dense forest, they ascended above the trees and resumed their orderly march on the ground, eventually disappearing into another forest. This account is based on a manuscript report by the late M. Prévost, curate of Lussac-les-Églises.
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Aug. 1, 1608 Genoa Harbor, Italy. Two human-like figures were observed engaging in a battle over the sea, gripping what appeared to be flying snakes. Although only their torsos were visible above the waves, their cries were so terrifying that several witnesses were physically affected by fear. This unsettling spectacle persisted over the course of several weeks, during which these entities were repeatedly seen. Despite the efforts of firing approximately 800 cannon shots to deter them, the creatures remained unfazed. It's worth noting that this incident is sometimes conflated with unrelated atmospheric phenomena involving "bloody rains" reported between Nice and Lambesc in France.
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Aug. 15, 1608 Genoa Harbor, Italy. Three coaches materialized above the sea, each pulled by six fiery creatures resembling dragons. Accompanying these coaches were the aforementioned signs, still carrying their serpents, emitting eerie cries. The coaches approached the city of Genoa, causing a substantial portion of the spectators to flee in terror. Despite making three trips along the harbor and emitting powerful screams that echoed across the nearby mountains, the coaches eventually vanished over the sea, never to be seen again. This event inflicted significant distress upon the citizens of Genoa, leading to various adverse effects, including the death of individuals such as the son of Sr. Gasparino de Loro and the brother of Sr. Anthonio Bagatello, as well as several women who were deeply affected by the fear induced by the phenomenon.
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Feb. 15, 1609 Tiannin Mountain, China. The walls of a temple were illuminated by intense lights originating from a celestial phenomenon described as resembling either a ship or a luminous eye. The sky bore witness to this blinding spectacle, leaving observers in awe and wonder.
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Jul. 3, 1612 Switzerland. Between July 3rd and 6th, 1612, a series of extraordinary celestial phenomena unfolded over Switzerland. Notable occurrences included the appearance of three suns, three rainbows, and a prominent white cross. However, the most remarkable sight was the sighting of two armies seemingly engaged in battle in the skies. A contemporary broadsheet, written in rhymed strophes, urged Christians of all ages to take these signs seriously as omens of impending turmoil and danger, emphasizing the need for repentance in the face of the extraordinary events.
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1613 Perth, Scotland. Isobel Haldane recounted a bewildering experience of being mysteriously taken from her bed, unsure whether by divine or malevolent forces. She found herself transported to a hillside that inexplicably opened before her. Inside, she spent three days in what she described as the "fairy kingdom." She was eventually led out by a man with a grey beard, who imparted upon her the knowledge of curing illnesses and predicting the future. During the 17th century, such tales of encounters with supernatural beings and abductions were relatively common, often giving rise to suspicions of connections with the Devil. Unlike many similar stories, this one includes a specific date and location Perth, Scotland.
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Mar. 4, 1614 Kinki, West Japan. an unidentified four-sided object was observed in the sky. Unfortunately, detailed information from an original source is currently unavailable.
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1619 Near Fluelen on Lake Lucerne, Switzerland. Herr Christophorus Schere, the prefect of Uri County, reported witnessing a remarkable event. He observed a fiery and bright dragon-like object flying across the night sky from a cave in Mount Pilatus to another cave known as Flue. The creature had wings that moved rapidly, a long body, tail, and neck, and a serpent-like head with teeth. As it flew, it emitted sparkles similar to those from incandescent iron struck on an anvil. Herr Schere initially mistook it for a meteor but upon closer observation, he concluded that he had witnessed a genuine dragon, leading him to share this extraordinary account.
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1619 Prague, Czechoslovakia. A series of fiery globes are sighted in the sky. These globes, some of which break into multiple parts, cause astonishment among the villagers, who were already on edge due to the presence of soldiers in the country. At around 10:00 in the evening, the village priest joins the villagers in observing the spectacle. One of the globes transforms into a bloody crucifix before gradually fading away along with the other globes. This mysterious occurrence, featuring cycles of globe formations and disappearances, is witnessed multiple times before everything vanishes.
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Feb. 1, 1620 Quimper-Corentin, France. A green flying creature and destructive fire. Witnesses in the town experience a catastrophic event as lightning strikes the bell tower of the cathedral, causing it to catch fire. Amidst a fierce hailstorm, a frightening green demon with a long tail is observed clinging to the top of the tower. The demon's presence remains visible throughout the day, with smoke eventually billowing from the structure. Despite efforts to extinguish the flames and the use of holy relics, water, and even a consecrated host, the fire continues to burn. Finally, a ritual involving a loaf of rye bread containing a consecrated host and other sacred elements forces the demon to depart, ending the ordeal and saving the town from further damage.
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Apr. 9, 1620 Geneva, Switzerland. Astonishing celestial phenomena and mysterious figures. Observers witness the appearance of two suns, red and yellow, colliding with each other. Following this, a long cloud emerges from one of the suns, carrying a multitude of people dressed in black attire, resembling warriors. Additional saffron-hued clouds release tall, hat-like objects, and the earth takes on a yellow and bloody hue. The sun's duplication and a final rupture, described as a "rift of blood," mark the conclusion of this extraordinary occurrence.
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Oct. 13, 1621 Nimes, France. Radiant celestial display above the amphitheater. At approximately 9 to 10 P.M., observers in Nimes witness the presence of a brilliant, sun-like object hovering over the city. This luminous spectacle is accompanied by numerous other shining torch-like lights. The phenomenon gives the impression that the main sun-like object is heading directly towards the Roman Tower. In the vicinity of the tower, fiery chariots with dazzling stars encircling them are also observed, creating a remarkable and awe-inspiring scene in the night sky.
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May. 12, 1624 Anhalt, Germany. Skyborne procession of men and chariots. Between the hours of 6 to 8 in the evening, an unusual phenomenon unfolds over Gierstedt (Bierstedt), Anhalt. Spectators witness a multitude of men and chariots emerging from the clouds, creating a surreal and unexpected spectacle in the skies.
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1634 Wiltshire, England. Bewitched encounter with dancing elves. In the year 1633 or 1634, Mr. Hart, a curate from a Wiltshire "Latin Schoole," experienced a baffling incident. While walking across the "downes," he stumbled upon a multitude of diminutive beings, akin to pigmies, engaged in a peculiar dance within a fairy ring. Despite his amazement, Hart found himself unable to flee and was seemingly entranced by the sight. The tiny creatures surrounded him, inflicting pinches and emitting curious humming sounds. The encounter left Hart paralyzed, and when he regained consciousness, he discovered he had been transported to the center of the fairy ring. This tale of elvish mischief and enchantment was recounted by Aubrey based on his conversation with Hart.
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1635 Port-Louis, Brittany, France. Approximate date. Heavenly procession witnessed. Jean Le Guen, a resident of Riantec near Port-Louis, reported an extraordinary sighting. He claimed to have witnessed a celestial procession of beings he identified as "angels" moving through the sky. This ethereal spectacle was observed as these beings traveled from Port-Louis to Caudan, leaving an indelible impression on the 60-year-old man and those who heard his account.
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May. 28, 1637 Between Chartres and Paris, France. Enigmatic celestial display. Travelers on this date observed a puzzling occurrence involving three prominent 'stars' accompanied by smaller ones. Additionally, a prolonged line of other 'stars' was also witnessed. While lacking specific details such as duration and trajectory, skeptics might posit that the travelers might have witnessed a sequence of bright meteors, given the available description.
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Mar. 1638 Muddy River near Charlton, Massachusetts. Puritan's encounter with a luminous phenomenon and missing time. Puritan James Everell, accompanied by two others, experienced a startling event as they observed a luminous mass hovering over Muddy River. This mass exhibited erratic movements and changed in shape, at times resembling a swine. The phenomenon persisted for several hours, during which the observers' boat was unexpectedly carried upstream against the tide. After the light vanished, they realized they had returned to their starting point, a mile away. The event's duration and the peculiar boat movement prompt speculation about potential gaps in their memory, akin to contemporary claims of alien abduction in abduction literature.
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Apr. 1639 Yuan, Fengxian, Shansi province, China. Aerial spectacle during a funeral procession. While villagers were paying their respects to Yuan Yingta, a fallen war minister of the Ming dynasty, a remarkable event unfolded. A luminous object resembling a multi-colored star—red, white, yellow, and blue—appeared above the funeral gathering. This radiant phenomenon remained airborne, encircling the village for an extended period before ascending into the sky once more. Its brilliance was so intense that it could be seen from a distance of five kilometers, creating an awe-inspiring spectacle during the solemn proceedings.
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Jul. 1639 Santiago, Spain. Unexplained aerial ships and sounds. A pamphlet from Seville, published in 1639, recounts an intriguing occurrence near the town of Santiago in Galicia. The pamphlet, titled "An Account of the Prodigious Visions of Armies of Men, Standards, Flags, Vessels, and Other Things," describes the sighting of three ships in the sky accompanied by the sound of drums and a gathering of people. While details are sparse, this enigmatic event adds to the collection of anomalous sightings during that period.
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May. 9, 1641 Braga, Portugal. A flying disk resembling a flat "wafer" and accompanied by two human-like figures described as "angels" was observed in the sky. The event took place in the city of Braga at the lodgings of Reverend Doctor Jao d'Abreda Rocha, an ecclesiastic judge and general vicar. Witnesses included D. Gastao Coutinho, a provincial general, who alerted the judge about many people reporting signs on the moon depicting the unusual scene. The Reverend Doctor ordered the creation of a written record and collected testimonies from witnesses, including Father Simao Alvares, the apostolic notary.
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Apr. 13, 1641 Aragon, Spain. Domingo Sanchez, a gardener at the Monastery of Maria de Aragon, who had taken a vow of chastity and was contemplating marriage, experienced a series of apparitions. On the night of April 13th, as he lay in bed, he witnessed a demonic figure that forcibly took him out of bed and dragged him around his living quarters, subjecting him to physical blows. In his distress, Domingo sought solace from the Virgin Mary. To his aid, the Virgin Mary appeared surrounded by luminous lights, providing him with assistance and support until dawn.
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May. 4, 1641 Madrid, Spain. At 9:00 P.M., an unusual and unexplained event occurred. Despite clear skies, an exceedingly dark cloud emerged from the east or north, expanding and contracting as it moved between the western and midday directions. Jose Pellicer observed this strange phenomenon and noted its similarity to modern descriptions of "cloud cigars." Additionally, Pellicer reported a mysterious sound eruption in the sky above Molina de Aragon, with residents hearing loud and eerie noises resembling bugles and drums. These sounds conveyed a sense of an invisible and intense battle, although no visual evidence accompanied the auditory disturbance.
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Sep. 14, 1641 Akhaltsike, Georgia. At sunset, Armenian chronicler Zacharia Sarcofag witnessed an extraordinary event. The eastern sky tore open, revealing a large dark-blue light that descended towards Earth, casting a brighter illumination than the sun. This descending light resembled a wide and long wheel, exhibiting red and white hues as it rotated northward. Positioned about an open hand's distance ahead of the light was a star of Venus-like size. The luminous spectacle persisted until Sarcofag's father sang six sharakans, short prayers that took about two to three minutes each. The event's total duration lasted at least 15 minutes, with reports indicating that the miraculous light was observed in Akhaltsike and beyond.
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Jul. 3, 1642 Olesa de Montserrat, Catalonia, Spain. Joseph Aguilera and a group of witnesses in Olesa de Montserrat reported an anomalous sighting. They observed a globe-like object that underwent a transformation, appearing as "three moons." Subsequently, an immense light illuminated the area for a duration of one hour. The witnesses' account suggests a series of unexplained changes in the appearance of the object, followed by the presence of a substantial and persistent luminous phenomenon.
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Jan. 18, 1644 Boston, Massachusetts. Three individuals arriving in Boston from the sea witnessed the emergence of two human-shaped lights rising from the ocean. Around 8 P.M., residents of a coastal area of Boston observed a moon-sized light ascending in the northeast, followed by another light in the east. These two lights engaged in a playful and evasive interaction. Meanwhile, aboard a boat between Dorchester and Boston, several credible and devout individuals claimed to hear a chilling voice from the sky repeatedly uttering the words "Boy, boy, come away..." The calls, which originated from different directions, occurred approximately 20 times during this mysterious celestial display.
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Jan. 25, 1644 Boston, Massachusetts. Witnesses reported sighting sparkling and flame-emitting luminous objects. Similar to the previous week's occurrence, an airborne display resembling a ballet was observed. Once again, a voice was heard emanating from the phenomena, repeating the words "Boy, boy, come away." This event seems to be a continuation of the earlier anomalous sightings with the presence of luminous objects, aerial maneuvers, and the mysterious vocalizations.
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Apr. 1645 Caudan, Brittany, France. Jean Coachon, a resident of Calan near Lanvodan and Vannes, reported an extraordinary occurrence. He claimed to have observed a celestial procession of beings he described as "angels" encircling the church, with the Virgin Mary among them. This account was conveyed by the Lord of Lestour, who was known for gathering similar narratives of unusual events. Coachon's testimony speaks of a remarkable sighting involving a heavenly gathering of angelic figures, further emphasizing the widespread nature of such accounts during that period.
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Nov. 11, 1645 Naples, Italy. Astronomer Francesco Fontana from Naples observed an unidentified celestial body resembling a satellite in close proximity to Venus. Subsequent observations on December 25th, 1645, and January 22nd, 1646, confirmed the presence of this enigmatic "satellite." The celestial object was later named "Neith" by Jean-Charles Houzeau, the director of the Royal Observatory of Brussels, in the 1880s. Fontana's initial sighting marked the discovery of an unidentified planetoid near Venus, a phenomenon that garnered attention and intrigue among astronomers.
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Apr. 1646 St. Teath, Cornwall} Anne Jefferies, a woman from the parish of St. Teath, experienced a transformative event that led to her becoming a healer. At the age of nineteen, while serving as a maid for Mr. Moses Pitt's family, she suffered a sudden loss of consciousness, after which she exhibited unusual behavior. She claimed to have been abducted by six "small people" dressed in green, which caused her great fright and illness. During her sickness, she began to display healing abilities.
Anne's healing powers became known when she successfully treated her employer's mother for a broken leg. Word spread, and people from various places came to Anne seeking her magical healing. She described her encounters with the small people and the circumstances of their visits, often occurring in groups of even numbers.
However, Anne's reputation as a seer and faith healer attracted the attention of local authorities who questioned her interactions with supernatural beings. Despite her rational explanations, she was deemed deluded by the devil and arrested for her activities. After spending three months in jail, Anne was released and continued her healing work, living with various relatives and eventually marrying.
Anne Jefferies' story is a remarkable account of a woman who claimed to have been in contact with otherworldly beings and acquired healing abilities after a mysterious experience, leading to her becoming a renowned faith healer in her time.
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May. 1646 The Hague, Netherlands. An extraordinary event occurred where unknown individuals and animals were observed in the sky over The Hague. This sighting involved a fleet of airships emerging from the southeast, carrying numerous occupants. The airships approached the scene, resulting in a substantial aerial conflict. When the phenomenon eventually dissipated, witnesses noticed the emergence of what appeared to be a massive cloud, materializing in a location that was previously devoid of any visible presence. This mysterious occurrence entailed a series of otherworldly elements, including airborne vehicles, occupants, and a subsequent transformative cloud-like phenomenon.
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May. 21, 1646 Newmarket & Thetford, England. Between Newmarket and Thetford in Suffolk, witnesses reported an unusual occurrence. A vertical pillar or cloud emerged from the ground, displaying the appearance of a sword's bright hilts at its base. This pillar transformed into a pyramidal shape resembling a spire or steeple. Simultaneously, a form resembling a sharp-headed pike or lance descended from the sky. This extraordinary display persisted for an hour and a half, marking a distinct event of anomalous sightings involving the convergence of terrestrial and celestial phenomena.
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1648 Edinburgh, Scotland. In the spring of 1670, Major Thomas Weir, the Captain of the Town Guard and a respected preacher, along with his sister Jane Weir, confessed to a series of offenses that included sex crimes and witchcraft. Thomas recounted that he and his sister had dealings with demons and fairies, selling their souls in the process. They claimed to have been transported by strange entities on various occasions, including a fiery "coach" that took them between Edinburgh and Musselburgh, as well as a fiery "chariot" between their house in West Bow and Dalkeith. Thomas Weir's confession stemmed from his guilt for consorting with devils, driven by his strict Protestant beliefs. Both he and his sister were eventually convicted and met grim fates Jane was hanged and burnt at the stake, and Thomas was executed, both remaining unrepentant till the end. Their confessions and punishments reflect a belief in their supernatural interactions and their deep remorse for their actions.
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1650 Limerick, Ireland. A remarkable event occurred where a luminous globe, radiating light brighter than the moon, was observed in the sky. This globe projected a vertical beam of light onto the city of Limerick before gradually fading away as it moved over the enemy camp. This sighting of a luminous globe with a focused light beam suggests an otherworldly phenomenon that attracted the attention of witnesses and could have held significance in the context of the events of that time.
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1650. Fisherton Anger, Wiltshire, England. Approximate date. Anne Bodenham, a former servant to Dr. Lamb of London, was accused of witchcraft and communicating with devils. She was executed in 1653 at the age of 80. During her trial, a maid testified that she had witnessed Anne invoking the Devil. Anne created a circle with burning coals and two spirits resembling boys with shaggy hair appeared beside her. Anne pricked the maid's finger, mixed her blood with ink, and had the maid write in a book. One of the spirits laid its hand over Anne's hand while the maid wrote, and they all said "Amen" together. The maid noted that the spirit's hand felt cold as it touched hers. This account provides insight into the accusations of witchcraft and supernatural interactions during that era.
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Dec. 22, 1651 Almerdor, Holland. Dutch sailors witnessed an extraordinary sight as they reported seeing a fleet of ships suspended in the sky. The aerial ships were accompanied by numerous people and soldiers. This sighting of ships in the air, often referred to as "flying Dutchmen," showcases an anomalous occurrence where maritime elements were seemingly replicated in the skies, capturing the attention and amazement of those who observed it.
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May. 1652 Near Rome, Italy. Witnesses reported the sighting of a massive luminous object measuring 80 meters in size hovering in the air. During this event, a peculiar occurrence took place as a mass of "gelatinous matter" was observed falling from the sky and landing on the ground. This unusual sighting involved both the presence of a sizeable aerial object and the release of an unfamiliar substance, suggesting a remarkable and unexplained phenomenon that left witnesses intrigued and puzzled.
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1656 Cardiganshire, Wales. In 1656, John Lewis recounted a peculiar account from an acquaintance in Cardiganshire. The man shared an unusual nighttime experience where he observed a light entering his room just after midnight. Around a dozen small beings resembling men, women, and children entered the room, causing it to appear illuminated and wider. These entities engaged in dancing and feasting, inviting the witness to partake in the food. This enchanting scene lasted for four hours, accompanied by intermittent whispers in Welsh that urged silence. The man was unable to wake his sleeping wife during the event. Eventually, the spirits moved to another room and departed, leaving the man unable to find the door or return to bed until he woke his family. John Lewis vouched for the honesty of the witness, describing him as an honest and reputable individual who was willing to take an oath to confirm the truth of the account. This event narrates a mystical and captivating visitation involving ethereal beings and mysterious actions within a private space.
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1659 Leicester and Nottinghamshire, England. Beginning at 1 P.M., numerous witnesses reported observing a peculiar object resembling a black coffin with a fiery dart and a flaming sword. This airborne coffin-like object maneuvered back and forth in the sky, captivating the attention of hundreds of people who witnessed it with astonishment. The phenomenon continued until 3:15 P.M., at which point it disintegrated with a remarkable display of brilliance. This unusual sighting of a flying coffin accompanied by fiery elements presents an intriguing and unexplained event that held the gaze of many onlookers.
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1660 New England, American Colonies. In response to remarkable aerial phenomena observed in the sky, including a spear-like form descending towards the setting sun, the colonial magistrates and clergy seized the opportunity to harness the impact of these signs to promote a moral revival among the population. The phenomena, potentially including the zodiacal light, left a deep impression on the people. The authorities capitalized on this by publishing a list of prevalent vices, such as neglecting child education, vanity in hairstyling, excessive clothing adornment, immodesty in attire, lack of respect in church behavior, disobedience to parents, profanity, idleness, excessive visits to taverns, and the price-gouging tendencies of shopkeepers. This convergence of unusual atmospheric events with a religious and moral agenda reflects a notable episode where natural occurrences were used to inspire societal change.
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Mar. 14, 1660 London (Westminster), England. Passengers on a boat reported a peculiar atmospheric phenomenon. They observed a dark cloud initially, followed by a bright white cloud that emitted enough light to clearly see the windows of the Parliament House and people on Westminster Bridge. This bright cloud descended fire multiple times onto Westminster Hall and then moved over Parliament Hall, continuing to drop fire on it as well. This anomalous sighting of a cloud emitting fire over significant buildings in Westminster during the evening presents a mysterious event that captured the attention of witnesses.
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Aug. 1660 Stratford Row, near London, England. Witnesses reported observing an unusual sight resembling a "great ship" suspended in the air. The airborne ship gradually decreased in size until it eventually vanished from view. The account is supported by the testimony of an able minister living nearby, who received information directly from the witnesses themselves. This sighting of a ship-like object in the sky, followed by its gradual disappearance, offers a short but intriguing narrative of an anomalous event that left an impression on those who witnessed it.
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Sep. 1660 London, England. A gentleman of significant stature, once an Officer of Eminency in the late King's army and presently a Justice of the Peace, reported witnessing a sighting of unknown lights. The observer saw a bright light in the Southwest accompanied by six smaller lights. As he and several others watched with amazement, all the lights suddenly descended vertically and disappeared. This account describes an unexplained phenomenon involving a formation of lights that captured the attention of the witness and onlookers before swiftly vanishing, contributing to the growing records of pre-industrial anomalous sightings.
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Oct. 3, 1660 Hull, England. Soldiers stationed at the South Blockhouse reported a significant sighting of a large fiery object with a tapering shape at one end, leaving a narrow trail behind. The object emitted such intense brilliance that it enabled them to read fine print or even pick up a pin from the ground by its light. This remarkable aerial presence persisted for half an hour. A traveler arriving in Hull from Lincolnshire on the same night confirmed the sighting, describing a very bright light in the sky that illuminated his way through the darkness. Several reputable individuals in Hull, including eyewitnesses and informed inhabitants of London, attested to the incident, contributing to the reliability of this account of an unexplained flying object that left a profound impact on those who witnessed it.
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Oct. 11, 1660 Hertford, England. An individual of high reputation and credibility woke up at 4 A.M. due to a flashing light resembling fire against their window. Concerned that a nearby house might be on fire, they got up to investigate. What they saw was a sizable object surrounded by a circle, with two appendages situated above and below it. These appendages emitted significant flashes of light. The unusual object remained visible for several hours and was also witnessed by other individuals in the town. This account details an unexplained sighting of an object with distinct features and remarkable luminous emissions, leaving multiple witnesses intrigued by the sight.
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Oct. 12, 1660 London, England. At approximately 4 P.M., observers reported the sighting of an object moving through the air from west to east accompanied by a significant noise. Witnesses described its shape as resembling a "broomstick" or "broom." Soon after this sighting, another object of the same shape but smaller followed the same path in the sky. This account presents a peculiar incident involving the observation of two objects with distinct shapes and a shared trajectory, leaving those who saw them intrigued by the mysterious phenomenon.
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Oct. 30, 1660 Austy, England. Travelers en route to Ware Market witnessed an astonishing event. Following a sudden and intense flash of lightning, the night sky progressively brightened until a large fiery object emerged in the East and ascended. From this large object, three star-like objects descended vertically. The primary object transformed into a crescent shape and remained visible until dawn. A similar occurrence was observed by five individuals traveling from Hertford to London, where the flash of lightning was so luminous that it made their surroundings appear as bright as noonday. Contradicting the notion of a fireball or meteor, the story describes the large fiery body rising again into the air with a tail extending about the length of a pole. Eventually, it moved eastward and became fixed in the sky, resembling a star. This account presents an enigmatic event involving multiple celestial phenomena that left witnesses captivated by the spectacle's extraordinary nature.
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Oct. 30, 1660 Yelden, England. A bright celestial object caught the attention of a reliable observer. This prominent star-like object emitted such intense light that inhabitants were able to conduct household tasks indoors using its illumination. One credible individual reported observing the object for a continuous period of two hours. Towards the end of the sighting, the object transformed into the shape of a perfect Roman 'S'. Subsequently, it divided in the middle, with one half moving towards the northeast and the other towards the southwest, gradually fading away. This account describes a compelling event where a luminous object displayed intriguing transformations and movements before gradually disappearing, captivating the attention of those who witnessed it.
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Nov. 10, 1660 Oxford, England. A scholar named Allen, from Magdalen College, Oxford, experienced an unusual encounter. While in bed, he heard a noise resembling geese and went to look out of a window on a bridge side, but saw nothing. Upon returning to bed, he noticed a peculiar figure resembling a bishop at the door. Initially not too frightened, he called out to the figure and demanded it to speak. However, as the bishop-like figure approached his bed, he became terrified and cried out for help, causing the entity to vanish. The scholar later mentioned that he had witnessed and heard something he was unwilling to disclose to anyone. This account narrates a mysterious experience involving an enigmatic humanoid figure that left a lasting impression on the witness.
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Nov. 30, 1660 Ilford, Essex, England. During the early hours of the morning, two individuals witnessed a remarkable phenomenon. They observed a fiery cloud in the southwest sky, from which emerged two luminous objects comparable in size to the moon. These objects engaged in a dynamic aerial maneuver akin to a dogfight. Over time, one of the objects dimmed while the other grew larger, persisting in view for approximately two hours. During this period, the observers reported streams of fire and streams of blood emanating from the object. Eventually, the object reduced in size until it resembled an ordinary star. This account narrates an extraordinary sighting of luminous aerial objects engaging in an otherworldly interaction, leaving witnesses awe-inspired by the enigmatic display.
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Dec. 1, 1660 Hounsditch, England. At 5 A.M., a resident of Hounsditch reported sighting a mysterious and radiant object resembling the size of the moon in the eastern part of the sky.
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1661 Goult, Vaucluse, France. Antoine de Nantes, an ailing messenger from Goult, witnessed a radiant and captivating child-like figure surrounded by a fiery halo. Miraculously, the sight of this luminous being led to his complete recovery. Subsequently, a chapel was consecrated within two years, marked by a surge in reported miracles.
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Feb. 1661 Darken, Surrey, England. During the evening, an observant gentleman witnessed an unusual cloud formation. He described two cathedral or church-like objects within the cloud, adorned with magnificent spires and streamers. One object brightened over time while the other remained darker. The larger entity emitted vapor and vanished, while the smaller one increased in brightness. Unfortunately, the witness was summoned indoors and couldn't observe the conclusion of the phenomenon.
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Mar. 20, 1661 Canterbury, England. A significant celestial event transpired, as a remarkably large "star" was observed in the sky, featuring a distinctive opening beneath it. This aperture emitted streams of fiery light, captivating the observers for a duration of thirty minutes.
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Apr. 1661 Chard, Somersetshire, England. Several witnesses observed a narrow, long dusty cloud from which three very bright spots descended and merged together.
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Apr. 1661 Between Ilford and Romford, England. Around 10 P.M. - Captain Chelmford of Ipswich and a companion witnessed a maneuvering fiery light with a green-white glow that altered its course. The light swiftly approached, emitting beams, then abruptly changed direction directly above them before vanishing at the horizon. Notably, upon reaching London, the witnesses formalized their encounter by having a notarial deed documenting the experience created.
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Apr. 23, 1661 Bednall-Green, England. Observers witnessed a significant pillar of fire encompassing smaller objects resembling "burning coals." At around 10 o'clock that night, individuals near Pickadilly also reported seeing unsettling fiery clouds and other alarming objects. These details were relayed by witnesses who were greatly affected by the sight.
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Jun. 29, 1661 Eastberry, Berkshire, England. Numerous dark balls obscured the Sun, moving across its path, while additional objects resembling crosses were also observed.
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Oct. 1661 Bristol, England. A cloud emerged from the river, splitting open on three occasions to unveil various discernible figures within.
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Apr. 1662 Tedworth, Wiltshire, England. Multiple occurrences of bedroom visitations, accompanied by knocks and accounts of witnesses experiencing paralysis due to lights and humanoid entities.
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May. 11, 1662 Near Salt Ash, Cornwall, England. A "very great star" with the appearance of two red "legs" and a black square object was observed near St. Stephens. The star exhibited an unusual back-and-forth motion.
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Late Jul. 1663 Saint Martin, Brittany, France. Francois Carre of Bodeau witnessed a flying red cross near Saint Martin church. The cross appeared to move away from the church towards the direction of the Saint Michel chapel. Seeking confirmation, Carre called his wife to observe, and she also reported seeing the red cross heading towards the chapel of Saint-Michel.
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Aug. 15, 1663 Roboziero near Bieloziero, Russia. Farmer Levko Federov and others witnessed a fiery object approximately 40 meters in diameter, accompanied by burning beams. The object reappeared an hour later, moving across the sky in different directions. The event was reported by Ivachko Rievskoi to Saint Cyrille Monastery. The object's appearance led to fervent prayers among the gathered people, and its illumination affected the lake's waters. The reported phenomenon, observed over water, caused disruption to nearby boats and wildlife, leaving a lasting impression on the witnesses.
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Feb. 1665 Vienna, Austria. A flying object with a box-like appearance, described to resemble a coffin, was observed in the sky, leading to widespread anxiety among witnesses.
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Apr. 8, 1665 Stralsund, Germany. Witnesses in Stralsund reported anomalous sightings involving aerial ships and a saucer-shaped object with a dome flying over the town's church near the Baltic Sea. The saucer-like object, resembling a large man's hat, remained stationary above the St. Nicolai church until evening. The observers, including fishermen who initially saw a swarm of starling birds that transformed into battling ships, experienced feelings of sickness and trembling, possibly due to radiation. The event was documented in various historical accounts, including Erasmus Francisci's writings, and later discussed by researcher Illobrand Von Ludwiger, acknowledging skepticism but indicating the significance of the sighting in relation to historical conflicts between the Swedes and the Prussians.
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May. 26, 1666 Tokyo (Edo), Japan. A baffling sighting occurred as a luminous entity, resembling a human and measuring around "20 feet long," was witnessed flying toward the East. The event offers an intriguing account from Asia, though further comprehensive details are required for a deeper understanding.
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Jan. 20, 1667 Gjov, Faeroe Islands. Jacob Olsen, 24, encountered an extraordinary event where he was awakened by a radiant being. This luminous visitor reportedly had healing abilities and made a subsequent appearance descending from the sky. The incident remains a remarkable account of an otherworldly encounter on the Faeroe Islands.
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Nov. 15, 1667 Mittelfischach, Germany. A remarkable sighting occurred at sunrise, lasting several hours, where a "terrible sign of wonder" was observed in the sky over Mittelfischach. An engraving captures the scene, depicting the sun shining through cloud gaps as onlookers witnessed a display of round lights forming a battle scene in the sky. Notably, three crosses were visible amidst dark nebulosities, while intricate details of the village, including the church and a few houses, were shown on the left side of the image. This event has been preserved as a vivid historical record of the unusual phenomenon.
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Late Dec. 1667 Bayarcal, Spain. Procession of lights: In the midst of the inquisition's attention, Juan Munoz, a tailor from Santander, testified about an anomalous sighting in Bayarcal. Around Christmas time at midnight in 1667, he observed a cross followed by a banner, and four wick-like lights that flickered on and off. Initially assuming it to be the Viaticum carried by a priest, the lights appeared exceptionally bright. Munoz walked closer as the lights moved, eventually reaching a point fifteen steps away. Anxious about what he saw, he went home, only to witness the lights passing by the church as he closed the door. Despite his initial reluctance, he shared the experience with neighbors who revealed similar sightings in the past, often interpreted as signs commemorating local martyrs' lives. The event was considered significant due to Munoz's unfamiliarity with the phenomenon upon his arrival, indicating its existence beyond imagination, and similar light processions were reported across Spain and Europe, varying in size and location.
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Apr. 1670 Countryside near London, England. Jane Lead's contact: Jane Lead, a British Christian mystic born in 1623, had a transformative encounter in April 1670. During a moment of contemplation about Wisdom, she experienced an overshadowing bright Cloud from which emerged the figure of a woman adorned in radiant gold. Although the woman's appearance was both awe-inspiring and gentle, Lead was initially astonished. This encounter marked the beginning of a life filled with visionary experiences for Jane Lead. Her subsequent writings detailed various sightings and abductions by enigmatic beings, neither angels nor demons, which she referred to as 'Transports' in her diaries. Jane Lead's mystical journey led her to delve into theology, philosophy, and alchemy, as evident in her works, particularly the book "A Fountain of Gardens."
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Aug. 18, 1671 Regensburg, Germany. Signs in the clouds: An intriguing event occurred in Regensburg as witnessed on 18 August 1671. An engraving depicts a mesmerized crowd gazing at an array of unusual occurrences in the sky, including ships, mythical creatures, and armies poised for battle. This engraving, featured in the 1672 edition of "The Relationis historicae semestralis vernalis continuatio" authored by Jacobus Francus and Sigismundus Latomus, captures a moment of awe-inspiring celestial phenomena that captivated the observers.
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Jan. 25, 1672 Paris Observatory, France. Unknown planetoid orbiting Venus: Giovanni Domenico Cassini, the renowned astronomer and director of the Paris Observatory, noted an enigmatic finding on this date. He observed what appeared to be a potential satellite orbiting Venus, but he refrained from publicizing this discovery until its confirmation in 1686 upon seeing the object again. The mysterious satellite was subsequently identified as "Neith," marking a significant observation in the history of planetary exploration.
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Feb. 8, 1672 Off Cherbourg, France. Triple sky ships: Captain Isaac Guiton recounted an extraordinary sighting at sea. A "star" descended and divided into two distinct "ships," with a third vessel emerging later. The description details how the star initially appeared overhead, then descended towards the north, leaving a trail of smoke that transformed into two ships, each featuring lights and furled sails. These ships sailed southward, spaced around four feet apart, and eventually a third ship emerged between them, appearing larger and entirely black. This middle ship, without sails but with masts and ropes, assumed a northward orientation as if at anchor. The entire spectacle lasted over half an hour before the ships vanished without a trace, leaving the witnesses in awe.
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Nov. 16, 1672 Tokyo, Japan. Flying lantern: A sighting in Tokyo involved the observation of an object that bore a resemblance to a lantern. This object took flight and moved towards the east, sparking curiosity and intrigue among the witnesses.
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1674 Japan. Fast flying "dark cloud": In an unspecified location in Japan, an anomalous sighting occurred. Witnesses observed a swift-moving, elongated "dark cloud" traveling in a direction from the north to the southeast, akin to an arrow's trajectory. The description provided distinguishes this sighting from typical meteors, which are luminous and often described as "fiery," suggesting that this particular occurrence did not conform to the characteristics of a meteor.
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May. 23, 1676 London, England. Spiritual writer Jane Lead recorded a peculiar experience in her diary, recounting the presence of three enigmatic figures in her bedroom. The first figure, appearing as a youthful presence, startled her, rendering her speechless. A second, more mature and masculine figure, sought familiarity but remained silent before vanishing. Lastly, a comely and attractive figure emerged, though her spiritual constraints prevented interaction. Though some might interpret this as a manifestation of schizophrenia, today's perspective could liken it to a classic "bedroom visitation" by extraterrestrial beings found in contemporary abduction literature.
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Jul. 16, 1676 London, England. Spiritual writer Jane Lead observed a remarkable celestial event, describing it as an azure blue firmament with an extraordinary eye at its center, radiating flaming streams. She found it challenging to depict the exact form, but conveyed an image of a flaming eye within a circular rainbow, accompanied by countless stars in the sky. Although her language is reminiscent of 17th-century mysticism, her account appears to detail a luminous, eye-shaped object with radiant streams that traversed the London sky on a sunny day. Her drawing suggests an oval or eye-like object emitting fiery light, encircled by a substantial "Globe of Light," possibly distinct from a simple ring or rainbow.
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Sep. 20, 1676 Uffington Fields, England. An extraordinary event unfolded as witnesses in Northamptonshire observed a peculiar fiery meteor resembling a dart. The meteor exhibited an unusual wavy and vibrating movement as it traveled across the sky, with its stem initially appearing to be around a foot and a half in length and emitting a slender stream of light, akin to a cord. The sighting, reported around 7 P.M., lasted approximately one minute. Mr. Gibbon, an observer from Peterborough, detailed the meteor's distinctive behavior and appearance, noting its motion towards Uffington Fields after he spotted it at the zenith.
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Mar. 22, 1677 London, England. Spiritual writer Jane Lead recounted a nocturnal experience in which she felt transported into a wilderness during a magical sleep. Initially surrounded by tranquil nature, the serenity was disrupted by the presence of three entities, including a fierce female who pricked her skin akin to a sharp needle. Seeking celestial aid, Lead managed to ward off these beings and the encounter concluded. She later learned through the vision that there was no need for concern, as such an event would not recur.
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Dec. 30, 1677 At sea West of Granada, Spain. Pierre Boutard, an officer on the ship La Maligne, documented an extraordinary sighting in the ship's logbook. Around 4 in the morning, a brilliant "star" appeared in the northwest, moving to the southeast, emanating intense light that deceived the crew into thinking there was a widespread fire. The celestial object was accompanied by over 200 rays, intensifying the dazzling effect and causing distress among the crew. The ship eventually anchored in Grenada's small bay between 9 and 10 in the morning.
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Feb. 9, 1678 London, England. Jane Lead's diary entry describes an anomalous sighting where she awoke in a disoriented state and found herself surrounded by unfamiliar figures in a silent place. She experienced a sense of detachment from her corporeal body and observed a gold-colored craft resembling a large ship with four golden wings descending swiftly. Although Lead questioned the figures about what she saw, they claimed not to see it. The ship landed, and Lead felt herself leaping and dancing with joy. Eventually, the ship ascended and disappeared, after which Lead returned to her physical senses. This account bears similarities to modern UFO abduction experiences, challenging the notion that such stories are confined to contemporary times.
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Sep. 17, 1680 Lisbon, Portugal. A significant incident occurred where a dark cloud-like mass descended and landed in a field. From this mysterious mass emerged a large, hairy entity whose appearance seemed to materialize and vanish.
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Nov. 17, 1684 Saint Aubin, Brittany, France. At approximately 10 A.M., a priest from Lannion reported witnessing an unusual event. He observed a tear-shaped object resembling a flame descending from the sky. The object's slow movement took around seven to eight minutes to reach the horizon. It displayed a bluish hue and emitted sparks from its tail. Notably, the object's location was opposite to that of the sun.
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Jul. 9, 1686 Leipzig, Germany. At around 1:20 A.M., the late Mr. Gottfried Kirch, a knowledgeable observer of astronomy, documented a remarkable sighting. He observed a brilliant object in the sky, about half the apparent size of the Moon, suspended motionless for a duration of 15 minutes. The object was described as having the characteristics of a fireball with a tail. Its initial brightness was so intense that reading could be done by its light. The phenomenon was witnessed simultaneously in various locations, including Schmitza. Kirch's notes indicated the object's position and its oblique trajectory before eventually fading away, leaving behind unseen nodes or globules.
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Aug. 28, 1686 Paris Observatory in France. Cassini made a notable observation of a mystery planetoid in close proximity to Venus. This sighting occurred while Venus was situated as a morning "star," positioned at a heliocentric longitude of 59° and an elongation of 38°. The enigmatic object, later named "Neith," appeared to be roughly 1/10th the diameter of Venus and displayed a similar phase. This marked Cassini's second sighting of the object, sparking intrigue in the scientific community.
301
Jun. 1688 Yunan Province, China. Approximate date. an anomalous sighting occurred involving a sizable yellow "umbrella-like" entity. This object ascended from a ridge, emitting numerous lights, and subsequently descended again. According to an account from that time, during the 27th year of Emperor Kangxi's reign in the Qing dynasty, a person named Bixilin observed this phenomenon while in the mountains near Kunmin. Regularly around noon, under clear weather conditions, the object, resembling a brilliant yellow canopy, gradually rose above the ridge, emitting dazzling lights. Due to its radiance, direct viewing was challenging. The object would rise and then vanish into the clouds, only to reappear later, repeating its ascent and descent. Interestingly, the object's luminosity diminished after sunset, eventually fading away completely in the darkened sky.
302
Dec. 20, 1689 In England. An unusual event took place at approximately 4:45 AM. A fiery object, resembling a half-moon, transformed into a radiant sword-like shape and swiftly traveled in a westerly direction.
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303
May. 6, 1692 Edo (now Tokyo), Japan. A striking incident occurred during daylight hours. Three luminous objects, resembling the sun, the moon, and a star, emerged in the sky. These objects exhibited a remarkable and otherworldly sparkle.
12:00
304
1693 Hamburg, Germany. An intriguing event unfolded involving a highly luminous circular "machine." This machine featured a central sphere and was observed as it traversed across the sky.
305
Sep. 1693 Bowden Parva, Northampton, England. A complex and unfamiliar object was witnessed. The upper part of the object resembled the letter "W," with a luminous string of light extending from the lower section of the "W," measuring about a yard and a half in length. This enigmatic formation persisted for a duration and was observed by multiple individuals across the surrounding region.
306
Dec. 1693 Egryn, Merionethshire, Wales. An unexplained fiery incident occurred. A "fiery exhalation" emerged from the sea and ignited the hay with a subdued blue flame. Despite being easily extinguishable, the fire displayed an unusual nature. Men who intervened to save the hay noticed that, although distinct from regular fire, it did not harm them even when they approached or entered it.
307
Jul. 23, 1694 London, England. An event was documented by Jane Lead, involving a phenomenon she termed an "enclosed Principle" encircled by fire. Within this space, luminous Beryl Bodies were observed moving in a manner akin to a mirror's reflection. A spherical representation of the regal glory of their powerful King accompanied them in their movements. The ground they tread upon was adorned with sparkling stones and veins of gold, emitting a profound radiance.
308
Nov. 25, 1696 Tobolsk, Russia. A remarkable sighting occurred in the sky. An object divided into four radiant segments, with a central region that appeared dark, revealed the outline of a human form within. This celestial occurrence was reported as follows: "On Sunday, at 2 P.M., there appeared in Tobolsk a sign in the sun: it split into four parts, as it were, and the rays from the sun were light, but in the middle it was dark. And among these parts one could see in the darkness something like a man with extended arms."
309
Nov. 28, 1696 Tobolsk, Russia. An anomalous sighting involved a double object descending from a dark cloud in the east. Resembling an iron clamp with a bright shining fire, the objects descended to the ground, creating a remarkable spectacle.
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Nov. 4, 1697 Mecklenburg & Hamburg, Germany. At 6-7 P.M., an event of pre-industrial anomalous sightings featured two massive glowing wheels in the sky. The spectacle, witnessed by crowds, included a fiery cannonball-shaped object and a cross-shaped entity with sulfur-gleaming, bright and terrible lightning. After about 15 minutes, the fiery ball emitted a bang and vanished from sight, followed by the departure of the cross-shaped entity, leaving a lasting impression on the many thousands of spectators.
06:00
311
1699 St. Didier, Vaucluse, near Avignon, France. A priest recounted an unusual event where he witnessed a large light and three fire globes descending from the sky and subsequently merging. The globes, with one in the center and two flanking, appeared to hover at different heights. As the priest observed in awe, two additional lights emerged, slightly higher in the sky, and ultimately combined with the central globe before disappearing, prompting the priest to express gratitude for the remarkable marvel he had witnessed.
312
Aug. 1700 Sahalahti, Eastern Finland. In a peculiar incident, an elderly blacksmith named Tiittu allegedly vanished following the appearance of a flying disk over the village. Tiittu's son embarked on a search and encountered a being resembling a "bear," who informed him that his father had flown away. Subsequently, the villagers observed a large hovering disk above the village, which stirred fears of an impending apocalypse. For two days, the villagers engaged in religious practices, expressing their anxieties. Later, Tiittu's son encountered the "bear" again, who reassured him that his father had been taken to a superior world by the sky ship. The event sparked community discussions, yet a new priest dismissed it as a product of drunken imaginations and urged the villagers to forget the incident.
313
1701 Cape Passaro, Sicily, Italy. Witness C. De Corbin reported a remarkable sighting of a luminous light in the sky that remained suspended for a duration of two hours, defying strong winds.
314
Sep. 1702 Japan. A sun-like object with a red hue was observed in the sky, releasing cotton-like filaments as it hovered.
315
1704 Hamburg, Germany. In an intriguing occurrence, individuals witnessed the sky adorned with sparkling boat-like objects that weaved, pursued, combined, and separated from one another, seemingly multiplying in clear sight. The nature of the phenomenon remains ambiguous, and there's insufficient data to definitively attribute it to an aurora borealis.
316
Oct. 28, 1707 Hidaka County, Wakayama, Japan. Amid a coastal tsunami, a luminous white ball-like object manifested within the waves, adding to the extraordinary events of the moment.
317
Dec. 18, 1707 Southern coast of England. A massive cylindrical object accompanied by an unusual cloud was observed moving alongside nocturnal lights near the low horizon. According to the account of "the Worshipful Charles Kirkham, Esq.," the phenomenon appeared as a horizontally oriented, dark cylindrical cloud that divided the sky's brightness into roughly equal halves. Despite brisk winds, the cloud remained relatively stationary until a sudden brightening occurred within it, culminating in the emergence of pale-colored flames. The flames subsided within half a minute, leaving the cloud's original position unchanged, creating a profoundly eerie and astonishing spectacle.
318
May. 11, 1710 London, England. At 2:00 A.M., several witnesses reported a peculiar sighting involving a "strange comet" being trailed by two black clouds. Following this, an account describes the appearance of a figure resembling a man within a fiery cloud, holding a sword, and moving in conjunction with the clouds. This remarkable spectacle continued for almost fifteen minutes, leaving the observers greatly astonished. A visual representation of the event was captured through a woodcut illustration.
02:00
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Apr. 2, 1716 Tallin, Baltic Sea. An extraordinary event unfolded during the evening hours near Tallinn, where two large dark clouds were observed engaging in a unique form of combat. Numerous smaller swift clouds were also present. The incident, documented in official records and ship logbooks, occurred on the second day of Easter around 9:00 P.M. The sky featured a dense black cloud with a broad base and pointed top that ascended rapidly, creating an angle of elevation of almost half a right angle in less than three minutes. Concurrently, a brilliant comet emerged towards the west-northwest at an angle of about 12 degrees above the horizon. Another dark cloud emerged from the north and converged with the first cloud, generating a luminous column between them. This column remained stationary for several minutes before the second cloud swiftly traversed through it, resulting in a collision that produced fiery smoke lasting around fifteen minutes. The phenomenon concluded with the emergence of numerous bright arrows reaching an altitude of 80 degrees above the horizon.
320
Mar. 6, 1717 Southwest of Martinique (at sea). An intriguing incident occurred where a solid object resembling a ship's mast was observed hovering approximately two feet above the water's surface. Captain Chevalier de Ricouart, commanding the frigate La Valeur, recorded the event in his log. The sighting took place around 2:00 in the morning as the ship was heading southeast. The object's presence, resembling a mast, was notable for its unusual behavior as it moved alongside the ship at a low elevation above the water.
321
Mar. 19, 1719 Oxford, England. A perplexing sight unfolded in the night sky, as a remarkably bright object with whitish and blue hues was observed moving from the west in a straight path at 8:15 P.M. The object's motion, slower than that of a typical meteor, caught the attention of multiple witnesses across England. Notably, physicist Sir H. Sloane, the Vice-President of the Royal Society, reported seeing the object traverse more than 20 degrees of the sky in "less than half a minute." Despite its classification as a meteor, the object's unusually leisurely speed adds an intriguing dimension to the phenomenon.
322
Jan. 16, 1721 Bern, Switzerland. At night, a towering Pillar of Fire was observed above the nearby mountains to the west of the city. Gradually approaching the city, the pillar eventually burst with minimal noise. Subsequently, three distinct Fire Globes emerged from the burst, each choosing a unique path before vanishing.
323
Oct. 29, 1726 Vilvoorde, Brabant, Belgium. At around nine o'clock in the evening, a series of alarming and peculiar meteors were witnessed in the sky. These meteors, resembling lightning, emerged from the clouds and swiftly vanished. Their appearance evoked a strong sense of terror. While the possibility of an aurora borealis cannot be ruled out due to limited details, the nature of the sighting remains enigmatic.
324
1729. Finis Terrae Cape, Galicia, Spain. According to a local account, three individuals descended from a cloud, visited a market to partake in a meal, and then departed by flying southward. The incident presents a peculiar narrative of strangers arriving from the sky, adding to the realm of unexplained phenomena.
325
Oct. 1, 1729 Noes, Uppland, Sweden. Approximately two hours before sunrise, M. Suen-Hof witnessed red vapors in the sky forming expansive bands from north to south. Subsequently, these vapors coalesced into a fiery globe measuring around two feet in diameter. Emitting sun-like brightness and sparks, the globe followed the path of the earlier red vapors. Covering a quarter of the sky, the globe vanished suddenly, accompanied by dense black smoke and a cannon-like sound. The incident stands as a remarkable account of an anomalous fiery phenomenon.
326
Nov. 2, 1730 Salamanca, Spain. Witnessed by Torres, an astonishing event occurred at 11:30 P.M. An enormous building-sized Globe of fire manifested, accompanied by two luminous beams on either side. These beams exhibited dynamic movements, growing brighter as they fluctuated, and transitioned in color from green to red. The phenomenon's radiant light illuminated the vicinity, and by 2:00 A.M., the columns converged. Despite debates categorizing the event as a UFO, it is often attributed to an aurora borealis due to its similarities. The incident remains an intriguing blend of natural wonder and unexplained occurrence.
327
Dec. 9, 1731 Florence, Italy. An unexplained luminous cloud attracted attention as it moved with noticeable force from east to west, eventually vanishing beyond the horizon. Bianchini, a contemporary writer, further described the incident, noting the presence of peculiar luminous spheres emitting a whirring sound. This event, marked by its mysterious characteristics, adds to the historical record of inexplicable phenomena in the skies above Florence.
328
Mar. 17, 1735 London, England. Dr. John Bevis witnessed an unexplained stationary light in the sky, which persisted for an hour.
329
Dec. 5, 1737 Sheffield, England. Astronomer Thomas Short reported a distinctive event around 5 P.M. A dark red cloud emerged with a luminous body beneath it, emitting intense beams of light that moved slowly before halting. The phenomenon's heat became so intense that Short had to remove his shirt despite being outdoors. This occurrence differed from aurora borealis due to the nature of the luminous beams and the subsequent rise in temperature.
330
Dec. 6, 1737 Bucharest, Romania. During the afternoon, a blood-red "Symbolic form" appeared in the sky from the west. This enigmatic object persisted for two hours before dividing into two segments, which soon reconnected and retreated westward.
331
Feb. 23, 1740 Toulon, France. During the night, a rising purple globe resembling fire was observed. The orb ascended slowly, descending into the sea with a rebound effect. Upon reaching a specific altitude, it detonated, emitting multiple fireballs over the sea and mountains. The explosion produced a sound akin to a powerful thunderclap or a bomb blast. The occurrence was reported to the Marquis de Caumont by witnesses.
332
Oct. 23, 1740 England. Renowned astronomer James Short, celebrated for crafting telescopes, documented an intriguing sight. He believed to have witnessed an unidentified planetoid he initially considered a Venusian satellite. This celestial body, eventually dubbed "Neith" by Hozeau, was observed during Venus' heliocentric longitude of 68° and an elongation of 46°.
333
Dec. 16, 1743 London, England. An observer from the Royal Society documents an uncommon sighting of a slow-moving, waving light resembling a rocket. At 8:40 PM, while in St. James Park, the observer witnessed a light emerging from the southern horizon behind trees and houses. The light ascended to around 20 degrees, exhibiting a wavering motion parallel to the horizon, before proceeding towards the northern point over houses. The observer described the light as resembling a flame with a bright, charcoal-like core encased in an opaque, iron-banded structure. A tail of light flame trailed from the object. The observer's detailed account and the object's unusual characteristics challenge the notion of a regular meteor, leaving it difficult to classify the phenomenon, especially considering the lack of satellite re-entry in 1743.
334
Jun. 23, 1744 Knott, Scotland. A group of twenty-six witnesses, including a judge, reported an astonishing occurrence where they observed a troop of armed men in the sky above a hill. At around 7 o'clock in the evening, D. Stricket, a servant to Mr. Lancaster, spotted a procession of horse-mounted figures moving leisurely along Souter Fell in Cumberland. After alerting his master, Mr. Lancaster, the aerial figures became visible near a location known as Knott. The inexplicable spectacle continued for a duration of two hours, during which all twenty-six individuals, residing within a mile's radius, had the chance to witness the phenomenon.
335
Jul. 14, 1745 London, England. Reverend George Costard witnessed an anomalous event where he observed a trumpet-shaped object flying over Stanlake Broad at approximately 8:00 PM.
336
Aug. 5, 1748 Aberdeen, Scotland. Eleven witnesses reported seeing three globes of light along with the appearance of twelve tall men and armies in the sky at 2 P.M. in a valley located west of the city. Initially believed to be meteorological phenomena, the intensity of the lights increased, revealing the figures and armies dressed in bright clothing. The entities seemed to re-enact the battle of Culloden, which had occurred near Inverness on 16 April 1746. Notably, the sighting's timing during the early afternoon ruled out the possibility of an aurora being responsible for the anomalous occurrence.
337
1752 Kazan, Russia. A man named "Yashka" claimed to have encountered a person dressed in white who transported him to a flying cauldron. Yashka described his experience as a journey to another world before ultimately returning to Earth.
338
Apr. 15, 1752 Stavanger, Norway. An octagonal luminosity was observed in the sky, emitting fireballs from its corners.
339
Jun. 1, 1752 Angermannland, Sweden. Between 4 and 5 A.M., luminous "balls of fire" were seen emitting from a bright streak in the sky that stretched for approximately 12 to 13 miles along the coast from northeast to southwest.
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Aug. 15, 1754 Amsterdam and Chiswick, England. Following sunset, a peculiar sphere with a diameter similar to the full moon's was witnessed emitting intense, blinding beams of light as it descended near ground level.
341
Dec. 29, 1758 Colchester, Essex, England. Around 8:00 P.M., a large oval object resembling a football was observed descending from the sky. The object disappeared suddenly, akin to a squib without any sound.
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May. 20, 1759 Unexplained satellite of Venus. Astronomer Andreas Mayer reported observing a planetoid object in orbit around Venus, although the specific location of the observation remains unknown.
343
Sep. 16, 1759 Lonmora, Sweden. Man abducted for four days. On the evening of September 16, 1759, Jacob Jacobsson, a 22-year-old crofter from Lonmora, Sweden, crossed Lake Vastra Kiolsjon to deliver a food packet. Upon returning, he encountered an inexplicable phenomenon. A road appeared before him, leading him to a large red mansion where he found himself in the company of short-statured people, including a chubby man with a red cap and a taller maiden. They offered him food and drink, which he declined, expressing his desire to return home. The man with the red cap ordered his removal due to Jacob's refusal, and suddenly, he was back by the lake shore. Four days had passed, leaving Jacob without food or sleep, though he perceived it as only a brief absence. The incident left an uneasy feeling in him, and he recounted the experience to others, known for his simple, pious nature.
344
May. 7, 1761 France. Prominent astronomer J. L. Lagrange spotted a planetoid in apparent orbit around Venus. The object's orbital plane, as described by Lagrange, appeared to be perpendicular to the ecliptic. This observation occurred while Venus was positioned as an evening "star" at 207° heliocentric longitude and 34° elongation from Earth.
345
Jun. 6, 1761 Unknown observation location. Astronomer Scheuten observed a planetoid alongside Venus as he tracked Venus during its transit across the Sun's disk. The planet was accompanied by a smaller dark spot on one side, which moved in tandem with Venus during the transit.
346
Dec. 26, 1761 Weyloe, Denmark. During a stormy night, an observer in Weyloe noticed a sudden light resembling lightning around 2:04 AM. As the storm intensified, at around 4:00 AM, a distinct horizontal ray of light emanating from the moon became visible, roughly nine feet in length and as thick as a man's arm, emitting rays on each side. Following this, a pale ball of fire, initially resembling a cloud-covered sun, moved slowly from south to north, gradually turning redder and smaller. The phenomenon concluded after approximately two minutes without any noise or smoke. Despite the storm's intensity, the weather's unusual behavior and the presence of multiple beams make the possibility of globular lightning less likely.
347
Feb. 1762 Nuremberg, Germany. Mr. Staudacher observed an unfamiliar astronomical occurrence, describing it as a "black round spot" moving across the Sun. The following day, the object was no longer visible, leading him to speculate whether it might be a new planet.
348
Aug. 9, 1762 Basel and Solothurn, Switzerland. Two witnesses, Monsieur de Rostan in Basel and Croste in Solothurn, observed a spindle-shaped object resembling a cigar slowly flying in front of the Sun. Monsieur de Rostan, an astronomer from Basel, traced its outline with a camera obscura and sent the image to the Royal Academy of Sciences in Paris. The object appeared for almost a month and moved gradually from the eastern to the western limb of the Sun. This mysterious phenomenon was observed by multiple astronomers but remained unexplained, as it didn't resemble a typical solar spot, planet, or comet.
349
Nov. 19, 1762 Location unknown. An anomalous sighting of a planet-like object passing in front of the Sun was reported. Georg Christoph Lichtenberg observed a greenish round spot, roughly one twelfth the diameter of the Sun, moving across a 70° chord in a span of 3 hours. The exact location of this observation remains unspecified.
350
Mar. 4, 1764 Unknown location. A mysterious satellite attributed to the planet Venus was observed once more while Venus was visible in the evening sky. Positioned at a heliocentric longitude of 59° with an elongation of 30°, this enigmatic object garnered a total of eight observations throughout the year 1764. The exact location of these observations remains undisclosed.
351
Mar. 28, 1764 Unknown location. A mystery satellite was sighted near planet Venus. The object, resembling a planetoid, was observed orbiting Venus with a heliocentric longitude of 98° and an elongation of 35°. This sighting adds to the collection of reliable observations of such phenomena during the pre-industrial era.
352
May. 1764 Near Gotha, Germany. Mr. Hoffmann reported an anomalous sighting of a large round object, roughly 1/15th the size of the Sun, moving slowly from north to south across the sun's path. The incident involved a single unidentified object passing in front of the sun, casting a distinct spot on the solar surface.
353
Jun. 13, 1765 Mount Prospect, Inishannon, Ireland. A remarkable phenomenon dubbed the "Sky throne" was observed by numerous individuals around 8 to 9 PM. The spectacle, visible for approximately 30 minutes, featured a majestic throne situated in the Northern Sphere. Enclosed by a broad golden circle, the throne was adorned with a lion at its forefront, seemingly guarding it. The incident took place against a serene evening backdrop, with the sky appearing dark everywhere else, and its authenticity was confirmed by trustworthy witnesses.
354
Sep. 8, 1767 Perthshire, Scotland. A peculiar event unfolded near Cupor Angus on the water of Isla. Preceded by a dense dark smoke, a substantial luminous entity resembling a blazing house emerged. It swiftly transformed into a pyramid-like shape and surged forward, traversing towards the water of Erick with remarkable speed before vanishing near Blairgowrie. The effects were astonishing: it displaced a large cart across a grassy field, unseated a man from his horse rendering him unconscious, demolished half of a house, and undermined an arch of a newly constructed bridge at Blairgowrie before its disappearance.
355
Jan. 4, 1768 Copenhagen, Denmark. Astronomer Christian Horrebow documented an unusual sighting of a "small light, that was not a star," seemingly orbiting Venus. Referred to as "Neith" by M. Hozeau of the Brussels observatory, this object remained enigmatic and was never definitively identified. It was confirmed that Neith was not a natural satellite of Venus.
356
Oct. 24, 1769 Oxford, England. An unusual incident involved the sighting of an object resembling a blazing house in the sky, lasting for about an hour. This object exhibited vertical movement, resembling hovering as it moved up and down. Notably, it emitted jets of gas and produced rumbling sounds during its presence.
357
May. 8, 1775 Waltham Abbey, Hertfordshire, England. Around 8:30 PM, a gentleman in Waltham Abbey witnessed an extraordinary event. A meteor, taking on the appearance of a hazy star, emerged slightly above the moon's position. It moved unhurriedly towards the east, maintaining a parallel trajectory with the ecliptic, covering an arc of approximately 5 to 6 degrees before fading away. The meteor's size was about 6 or 7 minutes of arc, boasting a brightness and hue akin to that of the moon.
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Jun. 17, 1777 France. During a lunar eclipse, astronomer Charles Messier witnessed a peculiar event involving unidentified objects moving in parallel paths. He likened these objects to a combination of ships and bells due to their size and swift movement. Messier speculated that these anomalies might have been airborne hailstones or seeds, but he leaned toward the possibility of them being small meteorites.
359
Feb. 5, 1780 Bussieres, France. Around 6 P.M. - A flaming "dragon" appeared in the sky, emitting light that illuminated the area and lasted for approximately 15 minutes, captivating those below.
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360
Mar. 1783 Japan. Over the course of several days, there were reports of luminous objects flying from north to south at low altitudes, seemingly passing just above rooftops.
361
Jun. 24, 1784 China. In an unspecified location, a significant event occurred involving an oscillating 'star.' This star emerged suddenly in the southeast, displaying scintillating characteristics. It underwent a repeated pattern of rising and descending three times. Another star replicated this peculiar motion, and reportedly, the latter star descended and impacted a village.
362
Sep. 11, 1787 Edinburgh, Scotland. Around 8:30 P.M. - Observers witnessed a remarkable event involving a fiery globe exceeding the size of the sun. This celestial object moved from north to east at an elevation of 15 to 20 degrees, later descending to the horizon. The globe then ascended once more, exhibiting short waves in its path, and ultimately shifted westward before disappearing behind a cloud, where it seemed to detonate.
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363
Jun. 12, 1788 Zamora, Spain. Between 4 and 5 A.M., two large globes of fire, roughly the size of a Bristol barrel, were observed flying horizontally in the southeastern sky. The globes approached each other and collided before being separated by a centrifugal force, after which they took divergent paths—one moving East Southeast and the other West by North. The event, witnessed by numerous individuals, lasted around twenty minutes. The globe in the southeast eventually burst with a loud crack audible up to ten miles away, while the other descended slowly until disappearing from view.
04:00
364
Nov. 12, 1791 Gottingen, Germany. Astronomer Lichtenberg reports a solitary sighting of an object passing in front of the Sun, observed from his location.
365
Jan. 19, 1793 England. An unidentified, lengthy opaque object was witnessed by multiple observers, stationed immobile at the center of the sun.
366
Dec. 28, 1793 Bucharest, Romania. During the evening at approximately 7:30 P.M., a diner in Bucharest noted an enigmatic occurrence where it appeared as though the moon had performed a miraculous feat, traversing the sky in just half an hour.
19:30
367
Aug. 20, 1794 Balasore, India. At 7:45 P.M., a group of observers witnessed an unusually large meteor, outshining even the planets in brightness. As it descended, it periodically halted, becoming even more brilliant during these pauses. The meteor disappeared momentarily behind hills but reappeared after around two minutes, ascending above the hills and swaying horizontally between North and South directions. This pattern of rising and falling occurred two more times before the object eventually vanished, leaving the surroundings in darkness.
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368
Jan. 27, 1795 Quangxi Province, Linggui area, China. In the Southeastern sky, a sizable luminous object resembling a star was observed rising and falling three times. Subsequently, another similar object descended and crashed into a village.
369
Oct. 12, 1796 New Minas, Bay of Fundy, Nova Scotia. Fifteen airborne "ships" moving eastward, each featuring ports on their sides, were observed in the sky. On one of the ships, a man was seen extending his hand. The event was documented by Simeon Perkins in his five-volume diary. A girl at Mr. Ratchford's residence in New Minas reported the sighting around sunrise, prompting two men to verify the phenomenon. Despite skepticism, some individuals believed the account, while Perkins speculated that the sighting might have been a product of imagination, potentially due to clouds at sunrise.
370
Jan. 18, 1798 Tarbes, France. Astronomer D'Angos witnessed an astronomical anomaly, describing a distinct elliptical spot moving across the Sun's surface. The anomaly, positioned midway between the Sun's center and its edge, was observed for approximately 25 minutes before disappearing from view.
371
Sep. 10, 1798 Alnwick, Northumberland, England. Schoolteacher Alexander Campbell and a companion reported a remarkable UFO sighting. Initially appearing as a small star in the southwestern sky, the object transformed as it approached, eventually resembling an apothecary's pestle. It shifted shapes multiple times, becoming a hammer or cross, and then forming into two back-to-back half moons with a luminous stream between them. The object grew increasingly bright with each transformation, outshining surrounding stars. The sighting lasted about five minutes before the UFO vanished from view.
372
Jul. 1799 Bruges, Belgium. An anomalous event occurred involving an object initially perceived as a meteor. This object, however, exhibited extraordinary behavior, deviating from typical meteoric paths. It moved from south to north, then unexpectedly shifted course at a 45-degree angle to the northwest. The unconventional maneuvering of the object ruled out the possibility of it being a natural celestial body like a meteor, raising questions about its true nature and origin.
373
Nov. 13, 1799 Gerona, Catalonia, Spain. Numerous brilliant "shooting stars" cluster and then separate in an anomalous display of maneuvering stars.
374
Mar. 20, 1800 Quedlinburg, Germany. Preacher and amateur astronomer Fritsch observes an unidentified object swiftly traversing the sun's disk.
375
Sep. 30, 1801 London, England. At around five to six in the morning, a remarkably bright cross-shaped object is sighted in the Eastern sky. Two smaller star-like objects accompany it, one shining brightly to the left and the other faintly below, all moving swiftly towards the South.
376
Feb. 7, 1802 Quedlinburg, Germany. Amateur astronomer Fritsch records the passage of an unidentified dark celestial body with swift independent motion across the Sun. The small spot moves from northwest to southeast, exhibiting acceleration during its traversal.
377
Oct. 10, 1802 Magdeburg, Germany. Astronomer Le Verrier reports an anomalous sighting by Fritsch, who observed an unknown dark object moving rapidly across the sun's disk. The object covered 2 minutes of arc in 3 minutes of time and disappeared after a cloudy interval of 4 hours.
378
Aug. 15, 1803 Ormans near Evilliers, France. Pierre Mille and his three daughters, accompanied by a local craftsman, witness two luminous globes emitting sun-like rays hovering over an oak tree. This event takes place while the family is en route to church for the Feast of the Assumption. Upon investigation, a small statue of the Virgin Mary is found within the oak tree. Notably, the youngest daughter had previously observed the Virgin Mary accompanied by two floating lights at the same location during Easter, along the path between Maizieres and Ornans.
379
Jun. 27, 1806 Geneva, New York, USA. Astronomer W. R. Brooks, using a two-inch telescope at 1:00 A.M., observes a long, dark object crossing the lunar disk from west to east. The object's swift passage, taking 3 to 4 seconds, rules out the possibility of it being a bird. Despite its relatively small apparent size, approximately one third that of the moon, the nature of the object remains unidentified.
380
Jul. 1806 Maine. Reverend Abraham Cummings, a scholar with a Master's degree from Brown University, investigates a ghostly apparition after initial skepticism. He describes witnessing a white rock-like object in the evening, later transforming into a two-foot-diameter globe with a reddish tint. As he approached, the object quickly transformed into a female figure in attire, growing in size based on his thoughts. This entity, representing a deceased woman, appeared radiant with a sun-like depiction on her head, and Cummings documents over thirty witness affidavits affirming similar encounters. The apparition consistently emerged from a small luminous cloud, taking on the woman's form before departing in a similar manner.
381
Aug. 7, 1806 Rutherford, North Carolina. Patsey Reaves, residing near the Appalachian Mountain, reports a remarkable sighting involving her daughter Elizabeth and son Morgan. Elizabeth initially sees a man on Chimney Mountain, followed by Morgan observing a multitude of flying things in the air. More witnesses, including Polly and a Negro woman, join in, and Mrs. Reaves herself sees a vast crowd of white-clad beings resembling humans of various sizes. These beings rise off the mountain, moving towards Chimney Rock in a northern direction. The spectacle continues for about an hour, witnessed by many, including Mr. Robert Siercy, who initially doubts the strangeness but later perceives the radiant entities moving in groups and forming a semi-circular pattern before gradually disappearing from sight, leaving an indelible impression.
382
Jul. 22, 1808 Maine, USA. School teacher Cynthia Everett's diary entry records an unusual sighting of light originating from the East. Initially mistaken for a meteor due to its motion, the light's behavior distinguishes it from such phenomena. It swiftly darts through the atmosphere, transitioning between ascending and descending while maintaining a consistent distance from the ground. The light moves in a circular pattern across the visible horizon and eventually retraces its path. Dr. Ranlett, a historian, highlights the significance that despite Cynthia Everett's education and familiarity with celestial occurrences, she refrains from attributing this sighting to a natural phenomenon, suggesting its exceptional nature.
383
Sep. 1, 1808 Moscow, Russia. A radiant "plate" was observed flying over the Kremlin by Alexander Afanasyev, a member of the Russian State History Museum. The event took place at 8:07 after noon in a clear, star-studded sky. The phenomenon, characterized by its exceptional beauty, radiance, and immense size, soared in an arch from 55 to almost 90 degrees on the horizon. The object, resembling a long, flat plate around 6.35 meters in length and 0.35 meters thick, displayed an oval flame on its front edge, emitting a phosphorescent-like radiance. The flame dissipated, leaving a brightly illuminated plate that ascended vertically among the stars, remaining visible for about two minutes before becoming invisible due to its extreme altitude.
384
Aug. 10, 1809 Hatton Garden, London, England. John Staveley recounts observing a remarkable event where he witnessed a mesmerizing display of luminous lights within a black cloud resembling an aerial ballet. The lights, resembling sparkling specks, danced around the cloud's edge, with one light even expanding to the size and brilliance of Venus. This light moved rapidly along the cloud before fading away. Staveley continued to watch for over three hours, during which the lights multiplied and descended in various sizes, all while no lightning was associated with the active cloud.
385
Aug. 1810 Meklong, Thailand. Dr. Jacob Hazlitt, a missionary and physician, reported an anomalous sighting of a silver-clad humanoid along a road near Meklong. The entity, described as having gleaming skin and a single eye, caught his attention. Writer Ahmad Jamaludin further discussed abduction cases in Malaysia and Indonesia involving beings from a coexisting world. Abductees claimed to be transported to a reality beyond ours, experiencing side effects akin to UFO abductees, including amnesia, thirst, fatigue, and emotional distress. These beings, referred to as the Bunian People, dressed similarly to locals, though the origin of the term "Bunian" remains unclear.
386
Sep. 1810 Thailand. A woman reported an unsettling experience where she was awoken by an unknown force in the middle of the night. Strangely, the usual sounds of animals were absent. Peering out her window, she witnessed a peculiar humanoid figure in her backyard. The entity, characterized by its singular eye and metallic suit-like appearance, caught her attention. The incident culminated with the woman asserting that she had been abducted to a place she referred to as a "palace of lights."
387
Sep. 19, 1810 Brezeau, Holland. A strange event unfolded in the Dutch village of Brezeau. According to the 36th volume of the Philosophical Magazine, witnesses observed a luminous meteor to the south between 5:00 PM and 6:00 PM. The meteor seemed to gather and consolidate for about a quarter of an hour, eventually transforming into a significant fireball that moved northward. This phenomenon caused fear among the villagers, who feared their houses would catch fire. The meteor was accompanied by dense fog and notably absorbed water while crossing a river, later releasing the water as rain. The duration of the event, lasting forty-five minutes before becoming a column of fire and ascending into the sky, adds to its mysterious nature.
388
Mar. 20, 1812 Near Manosque, France. A group of seven travelers on the road from Villeneuve to Manosque witnessed an anomalous event. They observed a luminous ball hovering near their coach, which then divided into four distinct lights. These lights contained human-like figures and resembled lanterns. The travelers, frightened by this encounter, decided to halt their journey at the inn of Quatre Tours instead of continuing to Manosque.
389
Apr. 8, 1813 Atlantic Ocean. The crew of the ship "Niagara," situated at approximately latitude 43 north and longitude 65 west, encountered a peculiar phenomenon. Initially appearing as an overturned ship, the crew soon realized the object was in motion. As they approached, it became evident that the object was a massive creature resembling a fish, with dimensions estimated at around 200 feet in length, 30 feet in width, and 17 to 18 feet in height. The creature's body was covered in a shell, featuring a notable hole or archway with an occasional fin. Despite intending to investigate further, the crew decided against it due to the intimidating nature of the creature.
390
Jul. 25, 1813 Portsmouth, Virginia, USA. Carpenter Edward Hansford penned a letter to Thomas Jefferson on July 31, 1813, detailing an extraordinary sighting. Alongside Baltimore resident John L. Clark, Hansford witnessed a luminous object resembling a ball of fire, comparable in size to the midday sun. This object emitted periodic smoke from its own body, all the while maintaining its radiant and distinct form, though with noticeable agitation. The object then transformed into the likeness of a turtle, displaying similar restlessness and being occasionally concealed by smoke. It descended diagonally towards the West and subsequently ascended vertically to its original position at around 75 degrees. Edward Hansford had previously been involved in Revolutionary War efforts and held positions related to harbor management in the Norfolk and Portsmouth regions.
391
Sep. 5, 1814 Near Agen, France. At 11 A.M., amidst clear skies and a strong breeze, an unusual event occurred. A slowly moving, circular white object with a grayish center appeared in the northwest sky. Initially thought to be a "cloud," it defied the wind by becoming stationary until noon. Unexpectedly, the object then sped southward while rotating, accompanied by rumbling sounds that crescendoed into an explosion. This explosion led to the release of a shower of stones. Following this, the "cloud" resumed a halt, gradually diminishing until it disappeared. The explosion's impact and the ensuing panic reverberated throughout the region, causing distress among the local population.
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Sep. 25, 1817 Lanuejols, France. Around 6:25 P.M., three travelers who had recently visited a Roman monument near Lanuejols spotted an extraordinary sight. Positioned in the south-southeast direction, towards Villefort, they observed a luminous object with a reddish hue. This object took the form of a disk, measuring three to four times larger than the full Moon. After 2 or 3 minutes, the object vanished. The sky during this time was overcast and marked by a light drizzle.
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Jan. 6, 1818 Ipswich, England. Mr. Capel Lofft and Mr. Acton, English writers, observed an anomalous event where a small, uniformly opaque, subelliptical spot was sighted near the sun for three and a half hours. The object's rapid movement over the sun, faster than Venus during transit, caught their attention. By sunset, the object, seemingly of cometary or planetary nature, vanished. This well-documented sighting raises intrigue due to its unusual characteristics.
394
Aug. 3, 1818 Worthing, England. At 11:15 P.M., Mr. Thomas Young observed a remarkable event, describing a bright meteor near Cassiopeia. The object's trajectory began at a point 19 degrees from the pole at 65 degrees in right ascension, shifting to 17 degrees from the pole and 80 degrees in right ascension. Strangely, the object remained stationary for a full minute after its movement. This sighting of a motionless light in the sky adds an enigmatic aspect to the phenomenon.
395
Jun. 26, 1819 Buchholz, Germany. Astronomer J.W. Pastorff witnessed an intriguing event initially thought to be a "comet" in proximity to the Sun. However, Olbers raised doubts about its comet classification. On the same day, Gruithuisen, observing from Holland, reported the presence of three unidentified objects traversing the Sun's disk. These included one near the Sun's center and two smaller objects lacking nebulosity near the western limb. Notably, this observation, once documented in Reverend Webb's prominent astronomy handbooks, has been omitted from more recent editions, adding a layer of mystery to the account.
396
Oct. 9, 1819 Augsburg, Germany. An anomalous sighting occurred as an immense celestial body transited the Sun. Mr. Stark, a canon from Augsburg, documented this event, later referenced by Le Verrier in February 1877's Monthly Notices of the R.A.S. The observation depicted a distinct circular anomaly, roughly akin in size to Mercury, though it vanished by the subsequent evening.
397
1820 Hopkinton, New Hampshire, USA. At dusk, a young man in the vicinity of "The Lookout" near Putney Hill (Gould Hill) was trailed for nearly two miles by multiple luminous spheres. The spheres mimicked his movements, halting when he turned to observe them, and then recommencing their motion when he continued walking. Despite this, they maintained a distance of around 50 feet and never approached any closer. Comparable radiant orbs had been observed in the area since 1750, drifting slowly through the air, suggesting a plausible natural origin. The specified date is an approximate approximation.
398
Feb. 12, 1820 Augsburg, Germany. A distinct round area with an orange-gold hue, which was not witnessed again that night, was reported by two separate witnesses, Stark and Steinhubel. The spot traversed the sun over a span of approximately 5 hours, signifying a peculiar inter-solar journey.
399
May. 27, 1820 Spello (Perugia), Umbria, Italy. During a sermon by Saint Caspar (San Gaspare Del Bufalo) in the town square, an extraordinary event unfolded. Roughly thirty minutes before sunset, observers witnessed the appearance of three stars forming a cross in the eastern sky. These stars moved in unison, creating a triangle with one light positioned above and the other two at lower levels. The celestial display occurred directly over the head of Saint Caspar, leaving the crowd and even Bishop Monsignor Lucchesi in a state of astonishment. However, skepticism surrounds the event as it fails to appear in Gaspar's published correspondence, despite existing letters from various dates in May 1820, including the 27th and 28th. This intriguing phenomenon remains subject to uncertainties about its authenticity.
400
Sep. 7, 1820 Embrun, France. Astronomer François Arago, director of the Paris observatory, documents an anomalous sighting during a lunar eclipse. Witnesses in Embrun observed peculiar objects exhibiting precise military-like formation. These objects, noted for their equidistant spacing and ability to maintain formation even while changing directions, moved along straight trajectories. The event raises questions about unexplained aerial phenomena during the eclipse.
401
Feb. 13, 1821 Paris, France. After departing a theater, individuals witnessed a luminous globe suspended in the sky, remaining visible until dawn. The account, originating from a French source, highlights the persistence of superstitious beliefs within a seemingly enlightened society, according to a skeptical translator's note. The event underscores the prevalence of unexplained occurrences and their influence on public perceptions even in the face of enlightenment.
402
Oct. 23, 1822 Buchholz, Germany. Astronomer Pastorff observes two round spots moving across the Sun in a sighting that deviates from the norm of the pre-industrial era.
403
Dec. 5, 1822 Aberdeen, Scotland. A peculiar meteorological event unfolds as an unusual luminous object resembling a large moon-sized ball is sighted descending towards the horizon. Transforming into a fiery pillar and then reverting to its initial spherical shape, the object displays an anomalous behavior before ultimately disappearing from view.
404
May. 22, 1823 Hereford, England. Reverend T.W. Webb, a respected astronomer known for his work "Celestial Objects for Common Telescopes," reports the sighting of a luminous unidentified object in close proximity to Venus. This unexplained bright object garners attention due to its juxtaposition with the planet, intriguing both amateur and professional stargazers.
405
Aug. 12, 1825 At sea near Hawaii, Pacific. English naturalist Andrew Bloxam and fellow observers witness a remarkable event where a large red luminous object emerges from the sea, casting a wide-reaching illumination. The object rises and falls twice, exhibiting a behavior that captivates the onboard middle watch crew. Its fiery red hue and intense brightness, akin to a red-hot cannonball, not only astonish the observers but also provide substantial lighting, allowing small details like a pin to be discerned on the deck.
406
Apr. 1, 1826 Saarbrücken, Germany. A grayish object, estimated to be larger than 1 meter, descended swiftly toward the ground emitting a thunderous sound and then expanded, resembling a spreading sheet.
407
1827 Tietjerk, Friesland, Holland. Lieuwe Klaasens and a pastor witnessed a fireball descending and transforming into a fiery human figure upon landing, which subsequently flew back up into the sky.
408
Mar. 1828 Mount Wingen, Australia. An enigmatic flying object described as "cigar-shaped with a peculiar silver hue" landed on Mount Wingen, accompanied by a loud banging noise. The impact ignited vegetation and resulted in the death of cattle. Concurrently, tall unidentified individuals emerged in the town, gesturing towards their needs without speaking. The event led to speculations among the locals, linking it to unexplained disappearances of both people and domesticated animals. This unsettling occurrence remained ingrained in local memory, passed down through generations.
409
Jul. 17, 1829 Kensington, Pennsylvania, USA. Between 11 P.M. and midnight, an extraordinary event unfolded as a bright red object, akin to a meteor but with distinctive characteristics, emerged from the vicinity of the Schuylkill. Its journey spanned over Kensington and the Delaware River before vanishing behind Jersey's woods. Initially accompanied by a luminous trail, the object exhibited rapid, irregular, and wavering motions, reminiscent of a kite or an air balloon swaying. Radiating a deep red and remarkably brilliant hue, roughly half the size of the moon, it ascended until crossing the Delaware. Afterward, it diminished to a small speck, then suddenly expanded, emitting sparkles before dimming and ultimately disappearing behind the trees. This perplexing spectacle persisted for an estimated fifteen to twenty minutes.
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Jul. 23, 1830 Whinny Park, near Cupar, Fife, Scotland. Reverend Alexander Espline, traveling from Auchtermuchty to Letham, encountered an unusual sight above Whinny Park, owned by James Millie. Initially observing one peculiar light, he discovered two lights with varying brightness levels. The smaller light emitted a beam before both lights began to flash, prompting Espline to flee in fear. Surprisingly, two days later, the body of James Millie was found near the same location. The incident's connection to his murder wasn't initially considered; a report noted that the discovery might not have happened without an accidental circumstance. Such flickering lights, reminiscent of the ignis fatuus phenomenon, often held significance in medieval tales, indicating burial or other important sites.
411
Nov. 14, 1832 Tyrol, Germany. A ball of bright light, accompanied by "falling stars," remained suspended in the sky for approximately 15 minutes. Although the incident coincided with the usual timing of the Leonids meteor shower, the unusual presence of a glowing orb in the sky for an extended period distinguishes this event. The report is based on a letter received from Bruneck, Tyrol, Germany, prompting further attention due to its unique nature.
412
Mar. 16, 1833 North Carolina. During twilight at 6:35 P.M., an observer witnessed an exceptionally slow and bright object, initially positioned slightly to the right of Venus. The object, initially moving northward, defied expectations by altering its trajectory and gliding parallel to the horizon. It transformed into a serpentine shape, remaining stationary for around two minutes and spanning a span of 12 to 15 degrees. The object gradually diminished in luminosity, eventually resembling a thin whitish cloud before completely vanishing by 6:40 P.M., rendering a total visibility duration of just 5 minutes.
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Nov. 13, 1833 Niagara Falls, N.Y.} USA - A large luminous square object observed in the sky for an hour, remained stationary, then departed slowly.
414
1834 Cologne (Koln), Germany. Bright object flying NE-N parallel to the horizon, reappeared and split in two.
415
May. 11, 1835 Sicily, Italy. Astronomer Cacciatore reported an unknown luminous object, observed on four consecutive days. Initially mistaken for an eighth magnitude star, its position shifted relative to another star by May 14, 1835. Cacciatore considered it a comet or planet beyond Uranus, but subsequent cloudy skies prevented further observations, and the object was lost by June 2, 1835.
416
Oct. 6, 1835 Cosenza, Italy. A pyramid-shaped meteor was observed flying west of Cosenza. It changed shape, leaving a vaporous trail, and moved slowly southward, following a parabolic curve. The meteor eventually disappeared towards Fiumefreddo harbor after heading off towards a mountain, leaving a "gloomy tail."
417
Jan. 12, 1836 Cherbourg, France. A "luminous body" about two-thirds the size of the moon was observed at 6:30 P.M. It exhibited a dark cavity in its center and appeared to be rotating on its axis while traveling at approximately half a mile per second and an altitude of around 1000 feet. As it passed, it cast shadows on the ground and emitted a whistling sound.
418
Jul. 1, 1836 Szeged, Hungary. Haunted house phenomena reported, including globular lights, poltergeist effects, and apparitions of a "lady in white" and a dwarf-sized Franciscan monk. Objects were observed being thrown by unseen hands. Similar manifestations have been noted in ufological literature and have been linked by some researchers to the abduction phenomenon.
419
Jul. 8, 1836 Saratov Province, Russia. At 10 P.M., a globe-shaped whitish mass, roughly the size of the moon, appeared on the northern horizon. It hovered briefly before descending slowly to the ground, leaving a zigzag trail, and ultimately disappearing.
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Nov. 1, 1836 Buchholz, Germany. Astronomer Pastorff reported two unexplained objects crossing the sun's face. The objects, of differing sizes, exhibited changing positions relative to each other.
421
1837 Scarborough, England. Chief officer Mr. White witnessed frightening lights the size of oranges with undulating motion about five to six feet from the ground, accompanied by hissing noises. Additional luminous appearances shot across the road and sky emitting rocket-like hissing sounds. Another man named Trotter, stationed on a cliff, was so frightened by these phenomena that he hid.
422
Feb. 16, 1837 Buchholz, Germany. Astronomer Pastorff reported another unexplained object crossing the sun's face.
423
Aug. 29, 1837 Tirgu-Neamt, Romania. A luminous sphere was observed by locals during the night. At dawn, the sphere descended closer to the ground, casting an intense reddish glow that illuminated the fields.
424
1838 India. G. Pettitt reported a flying disk with a hook-shaped appendage, roughly the apparent size of the moon but brighter. The sighting lasted around 20 minutes.
425
Oct. 2, 1839 Rome, Italy. Astronomer De Cuppis of the Royal College reported an unknown body resembling a planet passing in front of the sun. This observation was used by Le Verrier to calculate the orbit of Vulcan. The object appeared as a well-defined, perfectly round spot, moving at a speed that would make it cross the sun in approximately 6 hours.
426
Apr. 9, 1843 Greenville, Tennessee, USA. Around 8 o'clock in the evening, a luminous ball approximately two feet in circumference was observed in the southwestern sky. The ball emitted small meteors and surpassed the brightness of the sun. Initially stationary, it then displayed rapid vertical motions, rising about thirty feet, falling to its starting point, and repeating this pattern around fifteen times. It subsequently moved horizontally for a similar distance and time. After assuming its original position, it rose vertically about twelve feet, gradually diminishing in size over an hour and fifteen minutes before vanishing entirely.
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427
Oct. 1843 Warwick, Ontario, Canada. In the afternoon of October third, Charles Cooper, a farmer, witnessed an unusual event in the sky. After a light rain and the passing of a rainbow, Cooper heard distant thunder-like sounds. He noticed a distinct cloud approaching from the west, underneath which he saw three white men flying through the air in a single-file formation. The figures appeared motionless, with outstretched arms, emitting mournful moans that resembled the distant roars he had initially heard. The men, seemingly sailing just above the treetops, continued their passage until disappearing from view. Despite Cooper's claims, others in the area did not report seeing the flying men.
428
Oct. 4, 1844 Astronomer Glaisher reported an unidentified luminous object, shining as brightly as Jupiter. The object emitted rapid, flickering waves of light. The specific location where this event occurred is unknown.
429
Mar. 29, 1845 London, England. At 11 P.M., Mr. Goddart witnessed an orange-colored object in the sky within the Canes Venatici constellation. He described it as a faint light, about magnitude 4, with a yellow hue. Using a telescope, he observed the object resembling a cluster of four stars, with a central area emitting an orange glow. The object moved gradually from Canes Venatici towards Coma Berenices, increasing in brightness. After approximately two minutes, the object faded and disappeared.
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May. 11, 1845 Capodimonte Observatory, Naples, Italy. Astronomer Schumacher communicated to Gauss that astronomer Ernesto Capocci had observed objects passing in front of the sun between 11 to 13 May. Capocci's report about these occurrences was conveyed to Schumacher. The exact nature of these passing objects and their characteristics are not specified in the provided information.
431
Jun. 18, 1845 Between Malta and Turkey. On the brig Victoria, en route from Newcastle to Malta, an anomalous event occurred. Around 9:30 P.M., the ship was becalmed, and its top-gallant and royal masts were suddenly lost as if in a squall. Following two hours of strong eastward winds and the crew reefing topsails, an abrupt calm ensued accompanied by intense heat and a sulfuric smell. Three luminous objects emerged from the sea about half a mile away from the vessel, remaining visible for about ten minutes. Subsequently, strong winds resumed and the ship encountered a cold, fresh air current. The reported coordinates would place the ship approximately 900 miles from Antalya, Turkey.
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Jun. 18, 1845 Ainab Mountain, Lebanon. Half an hour after sunset, an extraordinary and captivating yet unsettling sight unfolded in the sky. Observers at Ainab, Mount Lebanon, witnessed two large celestial bodies, each estimated to be around five times larger than the moon. These objects were connected by streamers or appendages, resembling billowing flags caught in a gentle breeze. Emitting a painful brightness that seemed to be reflected from the main bodies, these entities appeared in the west, endured for an hour, followed an eastward trajectory, and gradually vanished. This event might have been linked to the earlier sighting on the same date.
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433
Jun. 7, 1846 Darmstadt, Germany. A reported instance of an object descending from the sky was determined to be "only slag" upon examination. Although the residue's composition was found to be "nothing but slag," this observation is noteworthy due to its physical implications, especially in light of similar instances where unidentified flying objects dropped molten metal. While not a significant sighting itself, its potential relevance prompts its inclusion for consideration.
434
Aug. 25, 1846 Saint-Apre, France. Dr. Moreau experienced an unusual event around 2:30 A.M. during his journey back from a patient's house. He encountered a luminous globe that appeared to unfold, releasing numerous star-like objects. This phenomenon persisted for about three to four minutes before gradually diminishing, eventually leading to the disappearance of the globe. The occurrence took place under warm and calm weather conditions.
435
Sep. 19, 1846 La Salette, France. Two cowherds, an eleven-year-old boy named Maximin and a fourteen-year-old girl named Melanie Calvat, witnessed a brilliant light and an apparition. Melanie recounted seeing a radiant light even brighter than the sun while observing grazing cows. She and Maximin both observed a static light that opened up to reveal a more brilliant moving light, within which appeared a beautiful lady dressed in white and gold with a rose-adorned cap. The lady was surrounded by light and tears, expressing concern about Sunday desecration and blasphemous behavior. The parish priest identified the figure as the Blessed Virgin. The Bishop of Grenoble approved the apparitions, leading to pilgrimages, while Melanie became a nun and continued receiving revelations, whereas Maximin's aspiration to become a priest was unsuccessful.
436
Nov. 1846 Rangoon River, China. During a dark night around 7:30 P.M., a ship's owner's wife, the captain, and a 4-year-old child witnessed the sudden appearance of a bright light emitting extreme heat. The light, resembling a compact flame, swiftly moved in front of the ship. Unlike lightning, the light's appearance alarmed the witnesses, while others nearby also sensed a rapid rise in temperature, despite being unable to see the light themselves.
437
Mar. 19, 1847 Holloway, London, England. In the evening, witnesses observed an unknown object resembling a fire-balloon ascending slowly in the west, accompanied by intense brilliance. As it reached a position over Hampstead, the object emitted fiery coruscations and transformed into a radiant cloud, emitting a unique and bright blue-tinted light on the surrounding houses. Another even more brilliant cloud appeared above, and after a brief period, small fiery balls dropped from the upper cloud into the lower one. This process repeated, with larger balls descending. Eventually, both clouds disappeared, seemingly absorbed into the heavens. The moon later emerged to the north, and the witnesses also observed zodiacal light lasting over an hour.
438
Oct. 11, 1847 Bonn, Germany. Astronomer Schmidt reported a swift-moving small black spot crossing the sun's disk. The object's rapid motion was distinct from that of a bird or an insect passing before the telescope.
439
Nov. 19, 1847 Oxford, Wytham Park, England. Mr. Symonds reported a sizable object in the sky that made two stationary stops during its seven-minute trajectory.
440
1848 Arabian Sea, Arabia. A ship at sea encountered two fiery wheels resembling rolling haystacks on fire. As they approached, the wheels exploded with a crashing sound, causing two masts on the ship to rupture violently accompanied by a strong sulfur odor. Sir W. S. Harris reported this incident.
441
Mar. 9, 1848 Oxford, Wytham Park, England. Mr. Symonds reported a solitary unidentified celestial object in the sky.
442
Sep. 4, 1848 Nottingham, England. At 8:59 P.M., Mr. Lowe observed a slow-moving unidentified object from Highfield Observatory. Resembling a bright star, the object traveled from Eta of Antinoiis to Pi of Sagittarius, taking 45 seconds to cover the distance. Its gradual speed ruled out meteoric activity, and its brightness was estimated to be six times that of Jupiter.
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443
Sep. 18, 1848 Inverness, Scotland. Two large, bright lights resembling stars observed in the sky. Lights alternated between stationary and high-velocity movements.
444
Feb. 5, 1849 Deal, Kent, England. Observer named Brown witnessed two dark objects crossing the sun's disk.
445
Feb. 13, 1849 Reims, France. Skilled observer Coulvier-Gravier witnessed a 3rd magnitude "star" displaying abrupt accelerations and stops while moving a 20-degree course across the sky. Observed around 7:30 P.M. near Delta Cephei.
446
Mar. 12, 1849 Location Unknown. Astronomer Sidebotham recorded an object traversing the sun's disk, contributing to Le Verrier's calculations regarding Vulcan, a hypothesized planet within Mercury's orbit.
447
Apr. 4, 1849 Delhi, India. An exceptionally slow object observed in the sky, displaying variations in brightness.
448
Oct. 14, 1849 Athens, Greece. Astronomer Schmidt documented an unidentified celestial object transiting across the sun's disk.
449
Jan. 15, 1850 Cherbourg, France. Around 7:45 P.M., during snowy weather, Mr. Fleury observed a luminous object above trees. The light exhibited a swinging motion around its base aligned with the horizon. The object flickered, appeared on the brink of vanishing, rekindled, and eventually vanished. Subsequent small flashes were observed moving south.
450
Feb. 5, 1850 Sandwich, Kent, England. At 6:50 P.M., Mr. W. H. Weekes reported a small luminous object initially stationary near Orion. It moved gradually along a straight path, increasing in apparent size to about one third the moon's diameter. The object transformed from a speck of light to a "red-hot iron ball," lingered for approximately three minutes, and then vanished in a fiery display. The object had been motionless for 1 minute and 45 seconds before moving horizontally for 45 seconds.
18:50
451
Feb. 18, 1850 Athens, Greece. Astronomer Schmidt observed and reported an unidentified object passing in front of the Sun.
452
Mar. 13, 1850 Paris, France. Mr. Goulvier-Gravier, founder of a meteoritics observatory, witnessed a magnitude 3 "shooting star" originating from the southeast. The object altered its course and reversed direction at 4:45 A.M.
453
Oct. 3, 1850 Talcot Mt., near Hartford, CT, USA} Observer Graylord Wells reported a bright orange-hued meteor about a foot in diameter, accompanied by a fan-shaped train approximately 15 to 16 feet in length. The meteor ascended from east to west, passing near the moon, before altering its direction towards the southeast. The phenomenon descended gradually and disappeared on the southeastern horizon. The entire event, including the movement of its train, lasted for at least three minutes, and its visibility likely extended for an hour and a half, according to the observer's account presented by Professor Brocklesby.
454
Oct. 10, 1852 Reims, France. M. Coultier-Gravier, compiling shooting star statistics, observed a distinctive "meteor" at 8 P.M. The third-degree object initially appeared near "nu" of Capricorn and followed a 30-degree path across the sky. Notably, the meteor altered its course from northwest to southwest, making a 90-degree turn.
455
1853 Paris, France. Amede Guillemin, residing on Rue Arnelot, witnessed a slow-moving object above Pere-Lachaise cemetery. The object, described as a "pale red disk," moved horizontally at an exceptionally leisurely pace.
456
May. 22, 1854 Unknown Location. A correspondent named R. P. Greg relayed that their friend witnessed a series of unidentified objects. The first object, comparable in size to Mercury, appeared near the planet. Following it was an elongated object, and behind that, a smaller round object.
457
Jan. 21, 1855 New Haven, Connecticut. Around 10 P.M., an observer spotted a bright red sphere, roughly two minutes in diameter. The object initially appeared beneath the guards in Ursa Minor and exhibited apparent stillness. After approximately fifteen seconds, it gradually moved eastward, almost horizontally, with a slight undulating motion. The object passed near the star Benetuash in Ursa Major and vanished in the distance close to Denebola in Leo constellation. The observation extended for ten minutes, and there were no observed explosions or scintillations.
458
Jun. 11, 1855 Bonn, Germany. Astronomers Ritter and Schmidt reported a dark unknown body crossing the sun's disk.
459
Aug. 11, 1855 Tillington, Sussex, England. Around 11:30 P.M., Mrs. Ayling and several other witnesses observed a red wheel-shaped object with spokes. The object emerged from behind hills and remained visible in the sky for an hour and a half.
460
Dec. 10, 1855 Copenhagen, Denmark. An unexplained object, ranging in size from the sun's apparent diameter to that of a star, appeared in the southwestern sky for approximately 10 to 12 minutes. The object's configuration underwent multiple changes, transitioning from a single mass to two or three masses alternately. The phenomenon illuminated a significant portion of the heavens around it.
461
1858 Jay, Ohio, USA. Witnesses, including Mr. Henry Wallace, observed a large, uniquely designed vessel approximately 100 yards above the ground. The craft was manned by several very tall individuals. Speculation arose that the vessel hailed from Venus, Mercury, or Mars, potentially for exploration or leisure. Mr. Wallace described the vessel's intricate mechanical workings as advanced and precise, capable of a steady pace of about six miles per hour, with the potential for much higher speeds. Despite subsequent research efforts, the veracity of this account remains unverifiable due to lack of definitive historical evidence.
462
Mar. 26, 1859 Orgeres, France. Amateur astronomer Mr. Lescarbault reported observing a planetary-sized body crossing the sun's disk. His letter led to a meeting with Le Verrier, who aimed to validate the observation for the purpose of calculating an orbit for Vulcan, an intra-mercurial planet hypothesized by Le Verrier. Lescarbault's account included a detailed duration of the passage and an expectation that a circular, small black dot might be seen again in front of the sun, potentially representing the hypothesized planet. The interaction between Lescarbault and Le Verrier was significant in the context of their collaboration on this astronomical phenomenon.
463
Jan. 29, 1860 London, England. Mr. Russell and three additional observers reported an unidentified object of planetary dimensions.
464
Mar. 1, 1860 Moscow, Russia. At 9:45 P.M., a star southwest of the Great Bear suddenly expanded in size and turned reddish, resembling iron at a high temperature. This anomaly persisted until 11:30 P.M., reaching half the moon's size, after which it faded. By midnight, the object vanished, replaced by a black speck among the stars. The event's author speculated about the possibility of the object's destruction, suggesting that astronomers and poets might explore its significance.
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Jul. 17, 1860 Dharamsala, India. Following the day when a notable meteor fell in the region, an observer witnessed a sequence of lights in the evening sky around 7 P.M. The lights displayed patterns, each enduring for at least a minute, located over areas devoid of structures or roads. Some lights resembled fire balloons, while others appeared in the distance towards lower hills, and a few were closer to the observer's location. The observer ruled out common explanations like lanterns or bonfires and concluded these were genuine lights in the sky. Despite inquiries among the local population, the cause of these lights remained elusive.
466
Sep. 24, 1860 Nebraska City, USA. After sunset, witnesses Joel Draper and Mr. Beebout observed three bright objects in apparent formation. The first object resembled a quarter of the sun's edge in size, color, brightness, and shape. Positioned to the right and slightly higher, the second object was about one-third the size of the first. A third object, also about one-third the size, appeared directly above the first. These objects moved rapidly southwards while maintaining their initial arrangement. The sky was clear with no clouds or vapors, ruling out the possibility of sun dogs or mock suns. The illumination caused by the objects made the surroundings as bright as ten to fifteen minutes before sunset.
467
Nov. 10, 1860 Washington, D.C., USA} Just before sunset, multiple witnesses observed three unidentified objects flying over the capital. Described as "the size of a balloon," one object moved swiftly in a southwesterly direction. Despite the strong daylight, the object had its own distinct and brilliant illumination. Witnesses learned that two similar objects had been sighted earlier. The object in question changed its course from southwest to a direct westward path, gradually and quickly fading from sight as it moved away from the observers.
468
1861 North Atlantic Ocean. During a squall, three luminous bodies emerged from the North Atlantic Ocean and remained visible for at least ten minutes.
469
Oct. 4, 1861 New York, USA. Around 6 P.M., an enigmatic balloon carrying two men flew over the city at a significant altitude, traveling from west to east. Speculations arose among witnesses, suggesting that the balloon might be associated with traitors or a creation of Professor Lowe. However, both explanations were deemed impossible.
18:00
470
Aug. 12, 1863 Madrid, Spain. A luminous object resembling a comet was seen on the eastern horizon. It exhibited a reddish color and a blazing crown-like appendix on its upper part. Initially stationary, the object eventually started maneuvering rapidly in various directions, including horizontal movement, ascent, and descent. The idea that it was a comet was not a viable explanation for this phenomenon.
471
Nov. 1, 1864 Florence, Italy. A white fiery globe, significantly larger than the full moon, appeared nearly stationary in the air. The globe displayed shifting hues of orange and blue across its surface. After about a minute, it abruptly vanished on the spot. A smaller fiery orange ball was observed just below it right before its disappearance, sharing the same hue at that moment.
472
Dec. 1867 Chatham, England. On the afternoon of Monday, the 4th, between 3 and 4 PM, a remarkable event occurred. Witnesses, including James E. Beveridge, observed numerous black disks in groups and scattered formations moving swiftly through the sky. The miller who first noticed it compared the disks to balloons. The disks, resembling large cannon shots when passing in front of the sun, persisted for over 20 minutes. As they flew overhead, they emitted grayish-brown vapor reminiscent of smoke before disappearing.
15:00
473
Jun. 8, 1868 Radcliffe Observatory, Oxford, England. Astronomers documented an unidentified luminous object at 9:50 P.M. The object displayed rapid movement across the sky, then halted and altered its course westward. Afterward, it changed direction again to the south, where it remained stationary for four minutes before proceeding northward.
474
Jul. 25, 1868 Parramatta, NSW, Australia. Mr. Frederick William Birmingham, an engineer, reported a sighting of a flying "Ark" resembling a vessel for air travel. While observing, he heard a voice confirming it was a machine for aerial travel. The machine performed maneuvers, including a curved descent. Birmingham described the machine's bottom, side, and front, noting its steel-blue color with fish-scale-like patterns. He experienced contact with a spirit who invited him aboard the machine. He entered a compartment with a table and was given papers with formulas. Subsequently, he encountered paranormal events like sky faces, poltergeist occurrences, and strange clouds.
475
Jun. 8, 1869 Fort Wayne, Indiana, USA. Around 2:30 A.M., a large object emitting bright red light and resembling a circle of fire was observed in the western sky for approximately 30 minutes. The object periodically emitted rays resembling broom straws, with sparks akin to a Roman candle. This display alternated with a central ball of fire. Two witnesses, including the doorman of Pike's Opera House, observed the phenomenon descending behind Mount Davidson, with continuous blazing and sporadic fire jets until disappearing.
02:30
476
Aug. 7, 1869 Adamstown, Pennsylvania. Around noon, a luminous object described as square descended from the sky and transformed into a 3 to 4 feet tall, 2 feet thick column. The object had a reflective quality, resembling burnished silver, and landed in a dry, swampless area 200 yards north of the village. After 10 minutes, the object vanished. Despite witnesses gathering at the landing spot, no traces of the object's landing were found.
477
Aug. 7, 1869 Ottumwa, Iowa. Approximately 25 minutes before a solar eclipse's totality, Professor Zentmayer, an astronomer, observed bright objects moving across the solar crescent from one cusp to the other. Each object took two seconds for the crossing, with clear, well-defined points indicating distance from the telescope. Similar objects were also reported by Professor Swift in Mattoon, Illinois, and by individuals in Shelbyville, Kentucky, observed by Alvan Clark Jr., George W. Dean, and Professor Winlock. The coordinated sightings across different locations ruled out the possibility of local insects or wind-carried seeds as explanations.
478
Spring, 1870 Alen, Norway. A flying object was observed in the sky by Lars Lillevold's grandmother. An occupant on the object gestured to her, beckoning for her attention.
479
Mar. 22, 1870 Atlantic Ocean. At 6:30 P.M., Captain Frederick William Banner and his crew on the American bark "Lady of the Lake" spotted an object while halfway between Senegal and Natal, Brazil. The object, observed in the south-southeast, appeared as a light gray circular cloud with a semicircle at the center and four arm-like extensions reaching from the center to the circle's edge. Additionally, a distinct fifth ray extended from the center beyond the circle. Moving to the northeast below the cloud cover, the object remained visible until 7:20 P.M., positioned about 30 degrees above the horizon.
18:30
480
Aug. 15, 1870 Dunbar, Scotland. At around 8:45 P.M., a bright sparkling ball of light with a blue tinge appeared approximately 45 degrees above the northern horizon. The ball emitted a tail of the same bright color, extending towards the north-east. The object initially appeared motionless but later exhibited a second tail branching off at a 45-degree angle, creating a forked appearance. This secondary tail intermittently disappeared and reappeared. Lasting about 20 minutes, the phenomenon eventually moved slowly in a south-westerly direction. Despite its striking display, no noise or explosion accompanied its passage, drawing significant attention and excitement from nearby villagers.
20:45
481
Sep. 26, 1870 Berlin, Germany. At 12:15 AM, an observer using a 4.5-inch achromatic telescope with a power of 46 noticed a luminous object with a comet-like tail moving slowly across the field of view. The object seemed to originate from Vega and move towards Epsilon Lyrae. The transit took around 30 seconds, and just before reaching the edge of the observer's view, the object vanished suddenly. While the observer initially considered it a falling star, the prolonged visibility in the telescope suggested otherwise.
12:15
482
Aug. 2, 1871 Marseille, France. Camille Flammarion reports an observation by Mr. Coggia, who discovered a comet. At 10:43 P.M., Mr. Coggia witnessed a long-lasting "bolide" that differed from traditional meteors due to its slow progression across the sky. Described as a "magnificent red object," it moved eastward for an extensive nine-minute duration. After a pause, it changed direction, moving north, and became stationary at 10:59. Resuming its eastward course, the object eventually disappeared from sight at 11:03 P.M.
22:43
483
Aug. 31, 1872 Rome, Italy. Camille Flammarion, a French astronomer and author, records an observation of a slow-moving object in the sky. The object's trajectory was distinct from that of a meteor, indicating that it was not a typical meteoric event.
484
Jun. 2, 1873 Paris, France. Astronomers from the Paris Observatory witnessed three round objects in the sky. These objects were seen moving slowly at an estimated altitude of 80 kilometers, and they left no visible trails behind them.
485
Aug. 30, 1873 Brussels and Ste-Gudule, Belgium. Approximate date. At 8 P.M., an object resembling a star emerged above the horizon in a clear sky. The object exhibited a starlike appearance and gradually ascended for two minutes before abruptly vanishing.
20:00
486
Nov. 30, 1873 Poissy, France. Multiple observers witnessed a maneuvering object with a red color akin to Mars. The object's presence persisted for about 10 minutes. Initially sighted in the North above the Big Dipper, it then approached the star 'gamma' without making contact, followed by a series of curved movements before disappearing in the western sky. Camille Flammarion and Mr. Vinot, the editor of Journal du Ciel, conducted inquiries that corroborated the reported sighting.
487
Apr. 24, 1874 Prague, Czechoslovakia. Professor Schafarik observed a dazzling white object in front of the three-quarter moon around 3:30 in the afternoon. Using a 4-inch achromatic telescope with a power of 66, he noticed the object while the sun was shining brightly. The object appeared as a bright white star on the moon's disc and moved slowly from E.S.E. to W.N.W. Once it left the moon's bright disc, it continued to shine in the deep blue sky, resembling prominent stars like Sirius or Vega during daylight. The object had a sharp appearance without a noticeable diameter. Professor Schafarik expressed uncertainty about the nature of the object.
488
Feb.17, 1875 Pwllhi, Caernarvonshire, Wales. Eight lights were observed moving erratically with variations in color and brightness. Witnesses reported the lights changing from light blue to bright carriage lamp-like light and even resembling electric lights. The lights moved in horizontal, perpendicular, and zigzag patterns at an estimated distance of 8 miles. The lights intermittently dimmed and reappeared over a short span of time.
489
Jan. 12, 1876 Sheridan, Pennsylvania. A man riding home on horseback encountered a bright light on a creek bank, initially intense but diminishing as it seemed to move away. The witness urged his horse forward and saw the light again in a field, accompanied by a white-clothed human-like figure gliding along the ground. When the figure approached within 100 yards, the horse bolted forward, nearly unseating the witness.
490
Apr. 4, 1876 Peckleloh, Germany. Mr. Weber from Berlin reported observing a potential intra-mercurial planetoid around 4:25 AM Berlin Mean Time. The sighting was communicated to astronomer Le Verrier by Astronomer Wolf in August 1876.
491
Mar. 17, 1877 Gunnersbury, England. A sizeable red "star" was observed around 8:55 PM in the Serpens constellation. Its brightness exceeded that of Arcturus. Over a span of at least 10 minutes, the object alternated between increasing and diminishing in magnitude, appearing to flash, before ultimately vanishing.
492
Mar. 23, 1877 Vence, France. Dazzlingly bright balls of fire, described as luminous, emerged from a cloud-like formation with a diameter of about one degree. These lights moved at a relatively slow pace and remained visible for over an hour as they moved northward.
493
Sep. 7, 1877 Bloomington, Indiana, USA. Mr. John Graham observed a sequence of five stationary luminous objects in the sky. The first object, located between the constellations Aquila and Anser et Vulpecula, increased in brightness before disappearing slightly to the east of its initial position. Following this, three more objects appeared and vanished at the same spot, except for one that disappeared west of the radiant. After a short interval, a fifth similar meteor appeared in the same location. These meteors resembled first-magnitude stars. An explanation for this observation could be an improbable succession of identical meteorites falling directly towards the observer's direction over several minutes.
494
Jan. 22, 1878 Dallas, Texas, USA. Mr. John Martin, a farmer, spotted a dark object in the northern sky while hunting. The object, initially the size of an orange, rapidly grew larger as it approached with remarkable speed. Passing directly overhead, Martin likened its appearance to a large saucer. This early use of the term "saucer" for unidentified flying objects has sparked debates among researchers. Notably, the term likely referred to the object's size, similar to how "saucer" was used by Kenneth Arnold in 1947 to describe the motion of crescent-shaped objects. The possibility that Martin observed a balloon also warrants consideration.
495
Feb. 1, 1878 Osceola Township, Iowa, USA. A newspaper reported a peculiar incident where a young man observed a large, intensely bright light moving along a road. The light approached him rapidly and stopped when it reached a point opposite him. After a brief pause, the light ascended and then descended back toward the observer. Perplexed by the sight, the man returned to a nearby house for safety. The light followed him to the house, and when he shared his experience with two men there, they ventured out, but the light vanished. It reappeared suddenly, seen by all three, and this time it moved in different directions at varying distances. Others in the neighborhood also witnessed the unexplainable phenomenon.
496
Jul. 29, 1878 Rawlins, Wyoming, USA. During a total eclipse, Professor Watson observed a shining object located a significant distance from the sun. Professor Swift of Denver, Colorado, also confirmed this observation. Astronomer Lockyer remarked that the discovery strongly suggested the identification of an intra-Mercurial planet by Professor Watson.
497
Jul. 30, 1878 Edwardsville, Kansas, USA. Mr. Timmons, a reliable farmer, recounts a remarkable incident involving section men from the K. P. railroad. Anticipating a storm, they sped towards Edwardsville on a hand-car when they spotted what seemed to be an approaching locomotive. Realizing it wasn't, they quickly removed the car from the track. The mysterious object emitted dense smoke with occasional flashes resembling a headlight within the smoke. It traveled about three-fourths of a mile along the track, circled a pile of cordwood, and then veered off in a southwesterly direction through dense woods. The duration of the phenomenon, although unusual, could possibly be attributed to globular lightning guided by the train tracks.
498
Aug. 11, 1878 McKeesport, Pennsylvania, USA. Amateur astronomers Mr. Gemill and Mr. Wampler, using a 5-inch telescope, observed an unusual dark spherical object on the eastern edge of Jupiter's disc. Moving westward above the northern belt and parallel to the planet's equator, it exited the disc at 1:24 AM on 12 August, completing the crossing in 3 hours and 19 minutes. The object, larger than any of Jupiter's known satellites, displayed a sharp and intense black appearance. Notably, it couldn't have been one of the four known satellites or their shadows, as those were all visible throughout the observation period.
499
Apr. 12, 1879 Manhattanville, New York, USA. Mr. Henry Harrison, while searching for Brorsen's comet, spotted a swiftly moving object that didn't match the characteristics of a comet. Confirming the observation with his friend Mr. J. Spencer Devoe, they both noticed the object's rapid motion. The object remained visible until 2 AM. Mr. Harrison emphasized technical details and disclaimed any sensationalism in reporting the phenomenon.
500
Oct. 10, 1879 Dubuque, Iowa, USA. Early morning observers were surprised by the sight of a large balloon-like object passing over the city, visible for an hour. Multiple people in different parts of the city witnessed the phenomenon. The object moved in a southwesterly direction and eventually disappeared on the horizon. Notably, Thomas Lloyd, an employee of the Times, observed the balloon from the southeast as it slowly rose and fell while heading south. Although a real balloon ("Pathfinder") had recently taken off from Missouri, it had already crashed into Lake Michigan, making it unlikely to be the cause of this sighting. This event marked one of the last in a series of U.S. sightings, culminating with the unexplained sighting of an "airship" hovering slowly over the city.