SUMMARY: Saw a very large object 1000-1500 ft in diameter having difficulty. Saucer shaped about twice the size of a quarter held at arms length about 2 miles distant. Rotating windows from left to right. Saucer was wobbling very slowly for about 5 minutes. About 20 windows observable. Looking at object to west. Reported to Pecatonica state police about 1 hour later and laughed at. Reported to J.A. Hynek; NW University next dawith drawing sent in later. I have had my son approximate these drawings with computer graphics. It finally stabilized and floated away to the NW toward Pecatonica. Only a white blinking light remained after window lights were shut off. Light appeared to be center top. Also, no sound and other witnesses did not seem to be too concerned that they did not what this object was. The wife and I know!
Background will mildly rolling with numerous houses and apartments visable. Object was at time below the horizon in a slight valley just to the west of the Bel-ford theater on IL RT 20 which runs between Rockford and Belvidere. This object was extremely large and seemed massive-heavy but suspended in the air and wobbling slowly like when you spin a frisbee on a string. spin it slowly and then strike one side. At the time I told Hynek's secretary that I thought that the windows measured about 20' x 70". 20 wide - 70 high. In retrospect, I underestimated these dimensions. Probably more like 50 by 300. At that time John Anderson from Rockford was running for president. Haven't heard much about him lately. He lost as a third party candidate.
I am 49 years old now but it is still vivid in our memories. Most people look us strangely when we mention it. Neither of us have seen anything similar since. We also called the Rockford Airport the next day and they said they had seen nothing unusual on rader the night before. They said it was probably an advertising plane pulling a lighted banner. Yea, right! I have never seen an ad plane that makes no sound, flying around at midnight with a lighted sign the size of Commisky Park. I just gave up trying to convince peiople. I guess it doesn't really matter anyway. Sooner or later everyone will see these.
Background will mildly rolling with numerous houses and apartments visable. Object was at time below the horizon in a slight valley just to the west of the Bel-ford theater on IL RT 20 which runs between Rockford and Belvidere. This object was extremely large and seemed massive-heavy but suspended in the air and wobbling slowly like when you spin a frisbee on a string. spin it slowly and then strike one side. At the time I told Hynek's secretary that I thought that the windows measured about 20' x 70". 20 wide - 70 high. In retrospect, I underestimated these dimensions. Probably more like 50 by 300. At that time John Anderson from Rockford was running for president. Haven't heard much about him lately. He lost as a third party candidate.
I am 49 years old now but it is still vivid in our memories. Most people look us strangely when we mention it. Neither of us have seen anything similar since. We also called the Rockford Airport the next day and they said they had seen nothing unusual on rader the night before. They said it was probably an advertising plane pulling a lighted banner. Yea, right! I have never seen an ad plane that makes no sound, flying around at midnight with a lighted sign the size of Commisky Park. I just gave up trying to convince peiople. I guess it doesn't really matter anyway. Sooner or later everyone will see these.
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Rockford
USA
5-10 MIN
5-10 MIN
42.27
-89.06
disk
IL
Occurred : 9/1/1979 00:05 Reported: 12/7/1996 09:57 Posted: 3/7/1998 Location: Rockford/Belvedere (between), IL Shape: Disk Duration: 5-10 MIN
Saw a very large object 1000-1500 ft in diameter having difficulty. Saucer shaped about twice the size of a quarter held at arms lengt