The Wanaque Reservoir Lights

On January 11, 1966, a brilliant UFO appeared over Wanaque Reservoir in New Jersey, witnessed by police officers and hundreds of residents. The object hovered for hours and reportedly shot beams of light into the water.

The Location

Wanaque Reservoir:

• Northern New Jersey
• Major water supply
• Surrounded by towns
• Open visibility
• Perfect viewing

The Night

January 11, 1966:

• Evening hours
• Cold, clear conditions
• Object appeared
• Hovered over water
• Extended duration

Police Witnesses

Officers responded:

• Sergeant Ben Thompson
• Multiple departments
• Official observations
• Radio communications
• Documented

What They Saw

Witnesses described:

• Brilliant white light
• Hovering over reservoir
• Changing colors
• Beams into water
• Structured object

The Light Beams

Most dramatic:

• Object shot light
• Into the water
• Multiple times
• Purpose unknown
• Spectacular display

Hundreds Watched

Mass sighting:

• Residents gathered
• Along reservoir
• Multiple towns
• All watching
• Community event

Duration

The sighting:

• Several hours
• Extended observation
• Multiple appearances
• Over several nights
• Wave began

Return Visits

Following nights:

• Object returned
• Same area
• More witnesses
• Pattern established
• Regional flap

Reservoir Connection

Some speculated:

• Interest in water
• Light beams significant
• Pattern with water bodies
• UFO/water connection
• Unknown purpose

Media Coverage

Story spread:

• Local papers
• Regional news
• National attention
• Wire services
• Major story

Official Response

Authorities:

• No explanation
• Some dismissed
• Police reports exist
• Case documented
• Mystery remained

Significance

One of New Jersey’s most famous UFO cases with police witnesses and mass observation over multiple nights.

Legacy

The Wanaque Reservoir sightings became a landmark case demonstrating that UFOs could appear repeatedly in the same location with hundreds of witnesses.