2012-05-12 - Pass Christian, MS - Light

I saw at least 14 large, steady red lights in a straight, staggered flight path formation on 5/12/12 in Pass Christian, MS,

This sighting happened on Saturday, May 12, 2012, at approximately 9:36 p.m. Central Standard Time, in Pass Christian, MS. I saw 4 red lights in formation coming from SW @ ~230 degrees on compass. My GSP is North 30.31 degrees, West 089.27 degrees. No official record was available (I had tried to reach FAA to get velocity of wind direction, etc., but could not get, as they did not answer), but it was a calm night.

At first I thought they were helicopters until I noticed a steady red light. To the naked eye, the diameter of the light appeared to be 10 times the size of the brightest star in the sky. There was absolutely no sound.

The first two pair were coming side by side (two in the front, two in the rear), about 100 yards apart. The second pair was on the same flight path. Following them were at least 10 more in a straight, staggered formation, on the same flight path, coming over the horizon of trees. They were spaced apart ~100 yards. Estimated speed was 50 knots. Still there was no sound.

The first two pair ascended slowly into the sky vertically. As they gained altitude the light grew dimmer, and then they up & disappeared, there was cloud formation that evening, and that could have contributed to their disappearance.

It was 9:40 p.m. CT -- I ran into the house to get my car keys so that I could drive and get a better look--it took about 20 seconds. The latter group was still there. I drove to the beach to get a better view. 3 minutes later I arrived at the beach and there was nothing; they were gone.

I served 4 years in the United States Air Force, licensed FAA mechanic.