2000-04-01 - Chicago, IL - Sphere

"glass" sphere tracking plane en route to Chicago Airport - April 2000

I was on a flight from Raleigh/Durham, NC to Chicago. I was seated on the right side of the plane in the exit row over the wing. As the plane made its' final approach, the sun was setting in the western sky, and it seemed we were in a low level flight path (say 6,000-10,000') for a period of 10 or 15 minutes (perhaps a holding plan). During this time, I observed what appeared to be a glass ball only 100-150 ft off the right side of the plane. The object appeared to be maybe 8' in diameter. The sunset was shining on the object and was somewhat reflected in the object, such that the round shape of the object was clearly identified. The object was moving in the same direction as the plane, but just slightly slower and slightly lower in elevations such that I initially saw the object ahead of the plane, then watched as the plane slowly passed the object. I witnessed the object be hidden by the wing as the plane passed, then appeared again behind the wing. I continued to observe the object until i could no longer see the object from the window as the plane continued to pull ahead. After witnessing the object, i stood up to see if anyone else in the plane was glued to the window, pointed, talking about it,etc. I didn't see anybody else that appeared to have seen the object. The plane landed. On the way off the plane, I stopped at the door and asked the flight attendants if I could speak with the pilots (cockpit door closed), but was told no. I asked if they had seen anything and they stated not. I waited in the terminal for the pilots, but they never appeared from the plane/gate.

Have others seemed similar objects. It was awesome and I would love to hear of similar experiences to corroborate my own.


((NUFORC Note: Witness indicates that the date of the sighting is approximate. PD))