The following summary is an organized listing of characteristics and tendencies we observed while processing and categorizing some 300+ hours of video accumulated while researching light phenomenon near Phoenix, Arizona. The footage spans about 15 months from June 2004 to September 2005 and includes a surprising number of instances in which we were successful in documenting truly anomalous lights over the Valley. In addition to this, we have hours of footage depicting less mysterious conventional light sources such as blimps, meteors, weather balloons, auroras and flares
Along with helicopters and airplanes, all of the categories mentioned above, seemed to have the ability at times to appear anomalous or unexplained. Similarly, these light sources proved to be dynamic in appearance, in that they exhibited a wide range of profiles, colors and luminosities. This versatility was present in all categories except for one.. This category was flares, which demonstrated little variety in appearance. This was despite being filmed using three different cameras at a variety of distances on 18 separate occasions.
This is interesting, because flares have been a leading candidate for the source of the Phoenix Lights and many correlations have been made in this regard. In fact, during the process of accumulating this library of light phenomenon,
I did notice two correlations between flares and unexplained lights.
First, while flare sightings are certainly not a nightly or even weekly occurrence in the valley, they can sometimes be seen during military exercises to the South-Southwest of town. In fact, when these flares are dropped at a sufficiently high altitude, they can put on an impressive display which can often seem quite anomalous. We documented several instances where known flare drops produced reports of UFO's to the local media, so it is clear there is a correlation in this regard.
That being said, it is significant to note that we also observed a correlation between flares and the anomalous lights we documented. The incidences of flare drops showing up during or directly after sightings where unexplained lights had been filmed, went far beyond random chance. In addition, there were a few occasions when the unconventional lights we documented were particularly strange, flares would be dropped the next night or nights in the same location. These instances happened to be flare drops that were executed such that they could be seen by a large segment of the population.
A good example that illustrates this scenario occurred on September 11, 2005, when this video was shot::
It would be safe to say that flares would not be a plausible explanation for the source of these lights. In addition, it is interesting to note that the two nights following this sighting; flares were dropped in the same location in a manner that made them very visible and impressive. We were able to document the flare drops as well.and in comparing the two videos (Sept. 11Th & Sept.13th) one will find that there are few similarities between the two. The sightings from these nights did generate some evening news coverage with your typical hook of "Strange Objects in Our Night Skys?" which then proceeded to show some impressive video that was ultimately explained as flare drops that had occurred Monday and Tuesday on the Goldwater Range. Interestingly, there were no references to Sunday night, despite knowledge of the event. If the above instance had occurred as a solitary episode, it would not warrant further consideration. However, it is not a lone occurrence.
In hopes of minimizing future confusion, I have generated a "spec sheet" of observed characteristics compiled from the examples of flare drops we have documented. This is a simplified document written for maximum utilization and does not contain technical terminology. I do not have the inclination or quality images necessary to compare this data to the ’97 Phoenix Lights. However, I would be happy to provide anyone the information or examples needed to make such a comparison. Some may find this useful as a reference tool or wish to post this in other forums. Feel free to use it in any fashion you see fit.
FLARE COLOR
A flare’s chemical combustion generates light which when
collected and processed by the camera optics, lies mostly
in the light-red or white area of the visible spectrum. In the test images we
analyzed, there was little variety in this regard.
LIGHT CONSISTENCY
Consistent with combustion generated light, flares have a
dynamic or irregular emission signature at times. As a result, the
observer will sometimes see this light as having a "flickering"
appearance as opposed to light emitted by electrical lighting,
whose output is consistent and controlled.
SHAPE OF LIGHT-SOURCE
The shape of flares (as a light source) will often have a
vertical component greater than its horizontal.
. The variations we observed included
diamond, ellipse and pear shapes that were all taller than they
were wide. To be as accurate as possible, all the examples
analyzed were images judged to be "free of camera motion".
IGNITION AND EXHAUSTION PROPERTIES
The appearance (igniting) of flairs takes place very quickly, while
their departure is usually seen as a "fading out" of the light. While
flare ignition is usually singular in occurrence, their extinguishing
or "burn out" can appear to take place on multiple occasions. In
other words, as a flare approaches the point of exhausting all of
its fuel; it is not uncommon to observe a "blink out", then briefly
ignite again before going out for a final time.
FLARE DEPLOYMENT
Flares are generally dropped from a helicopter or airplane.
Subsequently, aircraft lights can often be seen in close proximity
to flares if the visual is established at or near the time of flare
ignition.
FLARE MOTION
Because flare descent is managed via parachute, flare motion is
the result of the combined variables of gravity and airflow(wind)
as it interacts with parachute topology.. Flare motion is never
static and is usually observed as a slow diagonal descent. However,
when flares are observed from a good distance during relatively
calm winds, they can take on the appearance of being stationary
in the sky.
FLARE DURATION
The best estimate for the duration of a fare burn seems to be
around 4-6 minutes. This figure is derived from military specs as
well as the sole example we had of a flare burning from ignition to
fuel exhaustion. This is a characteristic specific to illumination flares
and is not applicable to decoy flares utilized by F-16s.
VISIBLE CONSTRUCTS
Both the parachute and the smoke generated from flare combustion
can often be visible when observing a flare drop. This characteristic
proved to be the most inconsistent variable in our analysis. This is
due to the multitude of variables that can affect the visibility in this
regard. We identified some of the main variables to include weather,
surface lighting, light pollution, distance, altitude, camera type,
camera settings, Moon phase, Moon position and time of day.
