Sightings >500ft

Pre WW1

WW1 & 2 Era

Cold War Era 1945-1991

Modern Era 1991+

Usual Occurrences

Setting

These more distant sightings often happen in areas with vast, open skies, such as rural landscapes or bodies of water. They can occur at any time of day but are more commonly reported at night.

The Classification

UFO sightings that occur beyond 500 feet are usually not classified as CE1 encounters. These sightings are often categorized as "nocturnal lights" or "daylight discs," depending on the time of day and visual characteristics of the object.

Introduction

While Close Encounters of the First Kind (CE1) are characterized by sightings within 500 feet, many UFO reports actually involve observations from greater distances. These more distant sightings are the most commonly reported and, although they fall outside the CE1 classification, they still hold significant interest for researchers and enthusiasts alike. Here we explore the typical occurrences associated with these more distant sightings.

Duration

The duration of these sightings can vary greatly, from a few fleeting moments to extended periods of observation, sometimes lasting up to several hours.

UFO Characteristics

Objects sighted at such distances frequently appear as points of light, which can be stationary or moving. When movement is involved, the trajectories often defy typical aircraft behavior, exhibiting abrupt changes in direction or speed. The objects might be singular or appear in formations, and they may or may not emit various colors of light.

Witness Reactions

Witnesses often describe feelings of curiosity and wonder, sometimes tinged with apprehension or fear. The inability to clearly identify the object due to its distance typically results in an array of speculations, from secret military aircraft to extraterrestrial visitors.