1999-05-13 - Terre Haute, IN - Triangle

I saw a large triangular craft with multicolored lights on the outside. I estimate the size between 150-250 feet across. There was no sound and the craft accelerated away at a rapid speed (no sound either!). I'm a skeptic but this really scared me.

I had just finished work and decided to drive out to the local Air National Guard base here in Terre Haute. It was about 1:15 am. Sometimes, the guard runs night practice and when I can't sleep I will go watch the planes take off and land. There were no planes this night, but I parked on a small country road not too far from the runway.

I got out of my car and looked up to see if I could see anything circling the airport. It was silent and I almost fell to the ground because a large triangular craft was approaching from behind me (to the east). It was completely silent and about 150-250 feet across with blue, red and white lights that appeared to go all the way around the craft.

I estimate the elevation was no more than 1000-1500 feet from the ground. It was simply hovering and within about 10-15 seconds, it left toward the western sky at a tremendous speed (faster than the fighter jets I am used to watching). What was strangest is that the craft made NO sound.

I am a skeptic and quite frankly I do not believe in UFO's, but having no idea what this craft is, I would have to call it a UFO. I am a Ph.D. scientist here at a local university (I do NOT want my name divulged as I am sure to be ridiculed). I simply cannot imagine the technology behind this craft.

I am reporting this to you for your information and do not wish to have my privacy invaded. This is a small town and the University is not that big either so I hope you can understand my wish for anonymity.