1982-09-13 - Murphysboro, IL - Light

I saw a beam of light hit the ground,about 1 foot wide

I lived just outside of town and behind my house was a corn field that had been harvested.About 200 yards was the tree row that runs along the river,for a long stretch on both sides. I have been back there fishing many of times and know the area well. The Big Muddy is not very wide, at that spot not no more than 100 feet.I was getting in my car when I saw a green light and a red light moving slowly in the trees.I got out and started walking towards them.The lights started coming up river, closer towards me.They were going up and down below tree level.I was laying in a shallow ditch right at the trees,no farther than 50 yards from the river.The lights seemed to be a good distance apart. I never did see a shape.About half way through my sighting,I saw a beam of light,no more than a foot across,searching through the woods.I could see it hitting the ground.I watched for several minutes and it hit me how scared I was.There was not a sound at all.The object started moving down river and I got the hell back to my car.I watched it for several more minutes there when it came above the trees and shot off into the night sky.I know what I saw and I hope they are friendly.It seemed like hours,but the whole thing lasted for over 30 minutes.Been looking up ever since.

((NUFORC Note: Date is approximate. PD))