2012-05-29 - Bozeman, MT - Sphere

Observer is familiar with night skies due to interest in astronomy and nightly airline traffic, and experienced with scientific observations as a laboratory technician. Approximately 10:35 PM, weather was cloudy with some sprinkles of rain. Observer was driving in westerly direction, slightly uphill on Highland Blvd near Bozeman Deaconess hospital. The string of lights, approximately seven to eight round, orange objects in Western sky over Bozeman were moving at a steady, not overly rapid pace toward southeast. Observer then drove to top of hill just north of blue water tower above Highland Blvd to listen for sounds. Objects were silent. Not positive as to exact number of objects due to driving a car and some objects had moved into clouds. At least two objects were ahead of a linear formation of 4 or more objects with one larger sphere trailing more slowly. All objects disappeared into overhead clouds and once in the clouds, no lighted objects! were seen although the moon in high, slightly southwest location was a very diffuse white light behind clouds. Object speed was similar to a motorized hang glider but without sound, and moved in a steady linear fashion. No planes were heard in the area although major airline jet was seen approaching from east to airport (approximately 10:38 pm) with obvious bright white landing lights. Initial thought was objects appeared to be a string of outdoor orange Christmas lights.