Star-shaped lights over New York 1959

Summary

In October 1959, an observer in Warsaw, New York, reported seeing four bright star-shaped lights, white and red, that remained stationary for 30 minutes. Two appeared as a pair, while the other two were scattered. The witness, a reliable horse trainer, saw no sound and used no optical aids. The red lights appeared as tails that flickered in and out.

Military investigators concluded the phenomenon was likely a superior mirage caused by a thermal inversion at 4,000 feet. Atmospheric conditions were conducive to such optical illusions, and there was no physical evidence or recorded aerial activity in the area. Although the report was filed without further action, the case remains a classic example of how weather conditions can explain unexplained sightings.