Sky Lanterns Generating Many UFO Reports in Pennsylvania-Fourth of July Week and Weekend (2013)
Last week with the approach of the Fourth of July weekend, I had anticipated that there would be an increase in reports of bright glowing orange or reddish-orange objects in the night sky. The reports generally describe one or multiple such lights that are observed for several minutes. They sometimes move separately, and other times in groups or even in various formations. They make no sound, then after a few minutes seem to just disappear from sight. This occurs when the candle or fuel cell expires.
Many of these reports can be attributed to what are known as Sky lanterns or Chinese lanterns. These devices are commonly sold as a kit in stores, while some people make their own version to launch skyward. During the last few years, reports of these devices have increased around holidays, specially the Fourth of July. These silent objects move with the wind currents, and always cause a lot of attention.
During local dry conditions, there is the possibility that these objects could produce a fire hazard. I have been receiving many similar sighting reports from across the state during this time period. After talking with many witnesses, it appears that many of these observations can be attributed to these manmade devices. Some of the reports originated from around Pittsburgh, and other locations such as Greensburg, Jeannette, Irwin, and Latrobe.
There have been other previous cases reported that while similar in appearance those objects may not fall under this explanation.