Mystery Smoke Ring Observed near Brookville, PA

Mystery Smoke Ring Observed near Brookville, PA

August 31, 2013

Smoke ring over treesphoto used with permission of the photographer

Smoke ring over trees
Photo used with permission of the photographer

It was about dusk on August 31, 2013, when a family driving from the Brookville area and traveling towards Pittsburgh saw something odd in the sky. They noticed on their left side above the trees what appeared to be a large dark smoke ring floating in the sky.

They stopped their car and the husband and wife exited the vehicle, standing on separate sides. They proceeded to take both still digital pictures and video of the unusual smoke ring.  They observed the smoke ring for about 5 minutes. According to one witness, “It floated slowly and then the smoke seemed to retreat back to the top of the ring, form a ball and dissipate in the top left corner of the ring.”

Smoke Ring photoUsed with permission of the photographer

Smoke Ring Photo Close-up
Used with permission of the photographer

Other similar smoke rings have been reported on occasion from across the country and around the world. There are a variety of explanations as to what might cause them.  The video footage and still photos will be examined by Jim Brown, who has viewed numerous photographs and videos of an anomalous nature over the years.  If you have information on this incident please let us know.