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Kenneth Arnold Sighting
On June 24, 1947, pilot Kenneth Arnold saw nine crescent-shaped objects flying in formation near Mount Rainier at an estimated 1,200 mph—far faster than any 1947 aircraft. His description of their movement 'like a saucer skipping across water' coined the term 'flying saucer.'
1947
Mount Rainier, Washington, USA
1+ witnesses
The sighting that started the modern UFO era.
The Witness
Kenneth Arnold:
- Private pilot
- Businessman
- June 24, 1947
- Search flight
- Near Mount Rainier
The Sighting
What he saw:
- Nine objects
- Crescent or boomerang shape
- Flying in formation
- Near Mount Rainier
- Flashing in sunlight
The Speed
Calculations:
- 1,200 mph estimated
- Between peaks timed
- Far exceeds 1947 aircraft
- P-80 jet only 500 mph
- Impossible for era
The Description
Arnold’s words:
- “Like a saucer skipping”
- Across water
- Formation flying
- Chain-like pattern
- Coordinated movement
The Media
Birth of term:
- Reporter coined “flying saucer”
- Headlines worldwide
- UFO craze began
- Investigations started
- Era defined
The Impact
Historical significance:
- Started UFO phenomenon
- Government investigations
- Project Sign created
- Project Blue Book
- Changed culture forever