2003-05-31 - Myrtle Beach, SC - Circle

Circular white disc, stationary high in sky during thunderbird airshow. with see through center and segmented outer edge

While attending the Memorial Day air show event at Myrtle Beach, SC, I believe was held on May, 31, 2003, I noticed a small white circular object very high in the sky while watching the Thunderbirds perform close offshore to the hotels. I trained my 16 x 50 binoculars on the stationary object partially obstructed by billowing Cumulus clouds. I was surprised to see that the circle was hollow and I could actually see through much of the center. The outer circular edge had evenly proportioned sectional segments that were white in color. I would liken the shape to a hollow style Frisbee. There were no lights, or other phenomena to report. I would estimate the diameter to be 300 to 500 feet across at an altitude of at least 30k to 40k, or perhaps even way higher than that. It would certainly dwarf the largest aircraft, such as a C5A. It was completely stationary for the many long minutes I observed it with my wife. There must have been others that could also plai! nly see it as there were literally thousands of people at the event, but perhaps were too intent on watching the aerobatics being performed. Eventually, the clouds blocked my view of the object. I don’t think it could have been the rings of a planet. I don’t think planet rings could be seen by the naked eye.

I am a former Air Force crewmember and veteran of C-141A’s and C-123k’s. You may contact me should you have an interest in this sighting, although I have given all that I remember of this visual event during the brightness of a lovely summer afternoon day at the beach. I think the object was East or Northeast of my position and offshore at The Sea Mist Hotel, which is still in existence today.


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