2009-09-19 - Hatfield, Hertfordshire (UK/England) - Changing

Shape-changing, dark object seen in the sky, in daylight, exhibiting gradual, unorthodox ascent. Urban area.

Noticed, through South-facing window, 5/6 objects descending...looked a lot like people parachuting! I thought this was odd, because there is no where to land in Hatfield, so I watched it more closely. The dark objects reached approximately 1000-ft then maintained altitude and position while grouping together. The collective size got smaller, in to one object, dark in colour, irregular, ball-like shape but with angles...no lights, no sounds, no hard edges. Object then gained altitude slowly and steadily in the same way a helicopter or balloon would, but only vertically, no change in location. By now, I'd gone outside to get a better view! Watched it keeping its height and position at approximately 3000-ft, it stayed where it was. I got a friend, to see this too (as another witness!)...and he also couldn't explain what it was. Conditions: mildly overcast stratus with very weak movement, good daylight visibility, unseasonably warm temperature for late Septembe! r. I couldn't take a picture as I don't have a camera. My basic camera-phone would have only shown an unrecognisable dot in the sky!