The Delphos Ring

On November 2, 1971, sixteen-year-old Ron Johnson observed a mushroom-shaped object hovering near his family’s farm in Delphos, Kansas. When it departed, it left a glowing ring on the ground that would resist analysis for years.

The Sighting

Ron was tending sheep when he noticed a bright object about nine feet in diameter hovering near the trees. It emitted a loud sound and brilliant light, temporarily blinding him. When it rose and departed, he alerted his parents.

The Ring

Where the object had hovered, a grayish-white ring remained on the ground, glowing in the dark. When Ron’s mother touched it, her fingers went numb for weeks. The ring remained visible for years.

The Evidence

Soil samples were analyzed by multiple laboratories. The ring contained an organic substance that caused the soil to resist water. It would not absorb moisture normally. The nature of this substance was never fully explained.

Investigation

The case was investigated by MUFON and other organizations. The physical evidence, the long-lasting ground trace, and the physiological effect on Mrs. Johnson made it an important case.

Assessment

The Delphos ring represents some of the best physical evidence in UFO history. The soil anomaly, verified by multiple labs, has never been conclusively explained.