2013-02-16 - Riverside, CA - Light

Bright red lights over Riverside, CA

Time is approximate – just past dusk. I observed from north, bright red lights at very low altitude from west to east, climbing as they passed by. Close enough that I should have heard engine noise, but silent. The first three flew in a triangular formation, one in front, two behind. Called my wife out to have a look. We watched as 5 more passed by at approximately one minute intervals on same trajectories. Tried to view with binoculars, but red light too bright. Flew right over March ARB, which is restricted airspace. Stayed well away from commercial flight paths, of which there are several in this area, e.g., Ontario and John Wayne approach.

Note: these must have been some type of aircraft conforming to aviation rules, which require a red light on a left wing. But the brightness of the light made them seem to be very close, ½ mile or less, while completely silent and very fast.