Bright orange ball of light approaching fast from South toward Macclesfield, UK
Macclesfield, Cheshire, UK. About 19.30, Sunday 11 November 2012. Dark.
Observed from West Macclesfield; Bright orange ball of light approaching fast from South, heading very precisely North. Below cloud, altitude estimated at 4500-5000 feet. No tail or trail.
According to XC Weather, no cloud below 5000 at that time, but a commercial aircraft departing Ringway (Manchester International Airport (approximately 12 miles to North West of Macclesfield) conveniently climbed into cloud directly overhead at the same time heading south, and would be likely to have seen object.
Object trajectory perceived as changing, initially suspected slowing and descent, but became apparent that object had either: Turned to East, and gradually dimmed to disappear, OR Turned South West and accelerated away very fast to disappear.
Wind direction as reported on XC Weather was southerly, 3-5mph, with a shift to westerly north of Manchester.
Possibility object was a Chinese lantern, but rapid approach (even allowing for poor height estimation) was inconsistent with low wind speed. Shift to east could be accounted for if wind-veer more southerly than indicated by XC Weather. Cloud cover obviated possibility of satellite.
Total observed time 50 seconds to 1 minute.
Macclesfield, Cheshire, UK. About 19.30, Sunday 11 November 2012. Dark.
Observed from West Macclesfield; Bright orange ball of light approaching fast from South, heading very precisely North. Below cloud, altitude estimated at 4500-5000 feet. No tail or trail.
According to XC Weather, no cloud below 5000 at that time, but a commercial aircraft departing Ringway (Manchester International Airport (approximately 12 miles to North West of Macclesfield) conveniently climbed into cloud directly overhead at the same time heading south, and would be likely to have seen object.
Object trajectory perceived as changing, initially suspected slowing and descent, but became apparent that object had either: Turned to East, and gradually dimmed to disappear, OR Turned South West and accelerated away very fast to disappear.
Wind direction as reported on XC Weather was southerly, 3-5mph, with a shift to westerly north of Manchester.
Possibility object was a Chinese lantern, but rapid approach (even allowing for poor height estimation) was inconsistent with low wind speed. Shift to east could be accounted for if wind-veer more southerly than indicated by XC Weather. Cloud cover obviated possibility of satellite.
Total observed time 50 seconds to 1 minute.
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Yes
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Off
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Macclesfield (UK/England)
United Kingdom
60 seconds
60 seconds
circle
Occurred : 11/11/2012 19:30 (Entered as : 11/11/12 19:30) Reported: 11/11/2012 2:48:51 PM 14:48 Posted: 11/19/2012 Location: Macclesfield (UK/England), Shape: Circle Duration: 60 seconds Characteristics: There were lights on the object, There were aircraft in the vicinity or aircraft chasing the object
Bright orange ball of light approaching fast from South toward Macclesfield, UK.