Chapter 1: The Enigma of the Lights

The recent reports of strange lights in the San Diego sky have sparked considerable intrigue. The Navy frequently conducts equipment tests in this area, making the flare explanation a plausible one. However, I question my understanding of flares and their characteristics. Historical instances, like the Phoenix Lights incident, have been attributed to flares, yet many witnesses, including Governor Fife, noted a stark difference between the observed phenomena and conventional flares.

Reports from local residents indicate that they have witnessed unusual lights during the night. The thumbnail image above showcases what appears to be flares. Below, you'll find images from the latest sightings—are these truly UFOs, or are they merely flares?

The orange haze in the sky could imply the presence of flares. While I lean towards this explanation, several factors warrant consideration. San Diego is accustomed to flare operations; shouldn't residents be familiar with such lights? The term "mysterious lights" is key, and we'll revisit this idea.

I pride myself on my ability to differentiate flares. Typically, they emit smoke trails and descend from the sky, with a burn time of around 60 seconds. Even parachute flares have a limited lifespan. Red parachute or rocket flares can be visible during the day for up to 10 miles, and up to 40 miles at night, burning for 40 to 60 seconds as they fall.

However, my research hasn't revealed any flares capable of hovering and burning for 20 minutes. It's possible that someone could use a drone to extend a flare's display, but that would be a clever trick rather than a conventional flare.

In a recent YouTube video, reporters interviewed witnesses of the recent UFO or flare sightings. The issue arises when local news restricts access to such footage. Why limit the availability of regional news to a global audience interested in different locations?

What were those mysterious lights observed across San Diego? The report suggests flares but uses vague language like "could be." Witnesses express differing opinions, raising the question of whether reporters are being insensitive by highlighting these disagreements. It seems easy to mock those who might not have the same level of knowledge, but this is not a scientifically sound approach. Everyone can misinterpret what they see, and it's a fundamental part of the human experience.

Many individuals from as far as Mexico reported seeing the lights. While this doesn't eliminate the flare hypothesis, it may suggest a human-made source. UFOs are typically characterized by stealth and obscurity; if the lights are bright and visible, they are likely to be ours!

The Navy had not commented at the time of the interview, leading one to wonder if the first outlet to report on the incident receives preferential treatment.

This isn't the first instance of UFO or flare sightings emerging from San Diego. In 2020, news articles also attributed lights in the sky to military flares. Watching the video footage raises questions, as not all characteristics of flares are evident. I tend to believe this incident involved a string of flares, unlike the previous one.

The idea that there is a mystery surrounding these incidents can lead to misinterpretation. The 2020 incident in Las Cruces, declared to be military flares, raises similar questions. If they are indeed flares, why label them as mysterious? They are just flares, and while they may be fascinating, they shouldn't be immediately classified as UFOs.

In the articles discussing these sightings, there's often little mention of their duration. Shouldn’t we apply a "60-second rule" when discussing flares?

The frequent use of the term "mysterious" is worth examining. When searching "mystery lights," the results often lead back to flares. If the term "hovering" is mentioned, does that automatically discount flares?

Are there flares that can remain aloft longer while still lit?

UAPs? UFOs? Mysterious Lights in San Diego Sky Identified by SDPD

After receiving numerous reports about peculiar lights in the San Diego sky, local authorities stated that...

The media should strive for clarity in reporting these events. The term "believed" creates uncertainty, reminiscent of Mulder's iconic "The truth is out there." In a time when the government acknowledges the existence of UFOs, precision in language is essential. Ambiguous terms like "mysterious" do not aid in understanding.

The world can indeed be strange and mysterious. A simple Google search for "strange and mysterious" leads to reports of lights over San Diego. Local reporting should prioritize military operations in the vicinity and rule them out as a plausible explanation. If flares are the standard assumption, then residents should be accustomed to differentiating between flare and non-flare events.

Additional factors such as weather conditions, wind patterns, visibility, and altitude should be included in every report. Descriptions of the lights' duration, size, and footage from various perspectives would contribute to a more thorough investigation. If one were to hold a camera on an object for twenty minutes, one might determine if the lights extinguished after 60 seconds—likely flares—or if they ascended and vanished—likely not flares.

What were those lights a couple of days ago? Most likely flares, but I admit, I’m not an expert. The news footage resembles flares, and I would trust the witnesses more if they expressed their observations more straightforwardly rather than labeling them as "out of this world."

If you viewed the video prior to reading this, how many lights did you see? What do you believe they were?