The Phoenix Lights V-Formation

On March 13, 1997, one of the largest mass UFO sightings in history occurred over Arizona. A massive V-shaped formation of lights passed silently over the state, witnessed by thousands from Prescott to Tucson. Even the Governor saw it.

The Event

March 13, 1997:

• Beginning around 7:30 PM
• Lights appeared
• Over Nevada
• Moved south
• Across Arizona

The Path

The formation traveled:

• From Henderson, Nevada
• Over Prescott
• Phoenix metropolitan area
• South to Tucson
• 200+ mile path

What Witnesses Saw

Thousands described:

• V-shaped formation
• 5-7 lights
• Enormous size
• Completely silent
• Slow movement

Size Estimates

Observers said:

• Over a mile wide
• Some said larger
• Bigger than aircraft
• Blocked out stars
• Massive solid object

Prescott Witnesses

Northern Arizona:

• First sighting area
• Clear observation
• Detailed accounts
• Set the pattern
• Moved southward

Phoenix Metro

Over the city:

• Thousands watched
• Cameras captured
• Massive V shape
• For 5+ minutes
• Extended viewing

Tim Ley Family

One family:

• Watched for 10 minutes
• From their yard
• Clear view
• Drew sketches
• Detailed account

Governor Fife Symington

Arizona’s Governor:

• Initially mocked
• Held joke press conference
• Aide in alien suit
• But years later
• Admitted he saw it

Symington’s Admission

2007 confession:

• “I saw it too”
• Couldn’t explain
• “Otherworldly”
• Changed his story
• Credible witness

Two Events?

That night:

• The V formation (7:30-8:30)
• Flares later (10 PM)
• Two separate things
• Often confused
• Important distinction

The Flares Explanation

Military claimed:

• Dropped flares
• Maryland Air National Guard
• Around 10 PM
• Explains second event
• Not the first

But the V-Formation

The earlier event:

• Never explained
• Too large
• Too silent
• Wrong timing
• Not flares

Video Evidence

Several videos:

• Captured lights
• Both events
• Different characteristics
• Analysis done
• Controversy continues

Witness Credibility

Observers included:

• Police officers
• Pilots
• Professionals
• The Governor
• Credible people

The Air Force Response

Military said:

• Flares dropped
• Training exercise
• That’s all
• Case closed
• But timing wrong

Ongoing Mystery

The V-formation:

• Never explained
• Too many witnesses
• Too consistent
• Flares don’t fit
• Still unknown

Anniversary Events

Phoenix now:

• Annual remembrance
• UFO conferences
• Documentary coverage
• Tourist interest
• Cultural landmark

Significance

Phoenix Lights significant for:

• Mass witnesses
• Governor witness
• Video evidence
• National coverage
• Never explained

Legacy

The Phoenix Lights remain one of the most witnessed UFO events in history. The massive V-shaped formation that silently crossed Arizona that night has never been adequately explained despite official attempts to attribute it to flares.