There have been numerous UFO sightings reported recently from many sections of Pennsylvania. Some of these observations concern bright orange or reddish-orange spheres or light sources moving across the sky. In some cases numerous objects are observed in the sky at about the same time. From the information I am receiving, some of these sightings appear to be launches of home- made hot air balloons or what is known as Sky lanterns or Chinese lanterns.
These airborne devices are constructed on a frame that provides a somewhat round appearance. A lit candle or other fuel causes the air inside to heat up and the device then rises into the sky. These devices will appear very luminous and generally orange in color, and at times can appear quite large. They will move quite slowly, but will follow the wind patterns and could make sudden moves and turns, then move out of sight. Once the flame goes out the object will disappear, or drop to the ground. In some cases the paper material can catch fire and flaming debris can at times be observed falling from the sky.
The launching of such devices under the current dry conditions could create a fire hazard as well as pose a navigational hazard at night to low altitude aircraft. There have been recent reports from eastern sections of the state and areas around Pittsburgh such as Fayette and Westmoreland counties concerning similar reports.
Not all of the luminous sphere observations may be so easily explained. Some of the UFO sightings being reported are very detailed and concern low level observations of structured craft. For more information: www.stangordon.info.