Branchoria UAP State Files UAP State Files

State-by-state UFO cases, records, explanations, and evidence checks.

Within Military Skies

When training flights look like giant craft

Night formation flying near Arizona ranges can turn ordinary military lights into reports of huge silent craft.

On this page

  • How formation lights appear from the ground
  • Luke and Yuma airspace as sighting backdrops
  • How to separate manoeuvres from unresolved reports
Preview for When training flights look like giant craft

Introduction

Arizona’s military training airspace creates a recurring problem for UFO investigators and casual skywatchers alike: ordinary aircraft formations can look enormous, silent and deeply unfamiliar from the ground. In clear desert skies, especially at night, groups of jets flying tactical patterns near Luke Air Force Base, Marine Corps Air Station Yuma and the Barry M. Goldwater Range have repeatedly been interpreted as single giant craft rather than multiple aircraft. The effect is strongest when pilots use steady formation lights, maintain tight spacing, or approach observers head-on so that depth and distance become difficult to judge.

Formations illustration 1 This mechanism matters because some of Arizona’s most famous UFO reports — including parts of the 1997 Phoenix Lights event — overlap with known military training routes and night exercises. That does not automatically explain every sighting, but it does show how easily human perception can turn separated aircraft into the impression of a vast triangular or V-shaped object. Understanding how these formations appear from the ground is essential when separating likely military activity from genuinely unresolved reports. [Wikipedia]WikipediaPhoenix LightsPhoenix Lights [Axios]axios.comlights arizona ufo legend 1997Thousands of residents in the Phoenix area reported witnessing mysterious lights arranged in a "V" formation hovering silently over the V…

How formation lights appear from the ground

The central illusion is surprisingly simple. When several aircraft fly in coordinated formation at night, observers may not perceive them as separate machines. Instead, the lights appear fixed to a single invisible structure moving across the sky.

Several factors make this especially persuasive in Arizona:

  • Clear desert air preserves visibility over long distances. Aircraft dozens of miles away can appear unusually sharp and bright.
  • Lack of foreground reference points in the desert makes altitude and size difficult to estimate.
  • Steady military formation lights can look unlike normal civilian traffic lights.
  • Head-on approaches compress perspective, making multiple aircraft seem merged into one object.
  • Quiet conditions at high altitude can remove the expected engine noise.

Witnesses often describe a “solid black triangle” or giant V because the human brain naturally fills empty space between lights. If five or six aircraft hold a disciplined tactical pattern, observers may perceive a single outline connecting them. This is particularly common when stars behind the formation are faint or washed out by glare. Investigators studying the Phoenix Lights later noted that bright lights could make nearby stars difficult to see, reinforcing the impression of a solid object. [Wikipedia]WikipediaPhoenix LightsPhoenix Lights

Military training formations also differ from ordinary commercial traffic in ways that encourage misidentification. Tactical flights may fly without the highly conspicuous blinking anti-collision patterns common on airliners. Aircraft can maintain unusually close spacing or execute coordinated turns that seem impossible for independent craft. To a civilian observer unfamiliar with formation flying, the motion can appear uncanny even when entirely conventional. [Wikipedia]WikipediaPhoenix LightsPhoenix Lights

What Was That in the Sky!? | Close Encounters 102

Channel: SpaceRip · Views: 22.3K · Uploaded: October 2025 · Length: 21 minutes

Open on YouTube

Why Arizona produces these reports so often

Arizona combines several conditions that make formation-based UFO reports unusually common.

The state hosts extensive military aviation infrastructure, including Luke Air Force Base near Phoenix and Marine Corps Air Station Yuma in the south-west. Nearby lies the vast Barry M. Goldwater Range, one of the largest tactical aviation training areas in the United States. The range supports air combat manoeuvres, night flying and coordinated multi-aircraft exercises across huge stretches of sparsely populated desert. [Flymag]flymag.dkBarry MGoldwater Range – Live firing - FLYMAG20 Aug 2016 — The large size of BMGR means that up to fifty aircraft can train in nine air-to-groun… GlobalSecurity The environment around these ranges matters as much as the aircraft themselves. Unlike heavily urbanised regions [globalsecurity.org]globalsecurity.orgGlobal Securitybarry mgoldwater range non-renewed parcels studyThe Barry M. Goldwater Range (formerly the Luke Air Force Range) is located in southwest Arizona…, much of southern and western Arizona offers:

  • very dark skies;
  • broad uninterrupted horizons;
  • low humidity;
  • minimal visual clutter;
  • large viewing distances.

Under these conditions, lights can seem detached from any visible aircraft body. Observers may see only floating points arranged in geometric patterns. As formations bank or change altitude, the geometry appears to morph, creating reports of gigantic craft changing shape in silence.

Modern online reports from the Yuma region still show this pattern. Residents regularly post videos or descriptions of grouped orange or yellow lights moving together over the desert, with replies frequently identifying military exercises or flares connected to nearby aviation activity. [Facebook]facebook.comThen when i went past Main Street heading home it wasn't there…Read more… [Reddit]reddit.comSaw 10 yellow dots in the sky Yuma, AZ: r/WeirdRedditSaw 10 yellow dots in the sky Yuma, AZ: r/WeirdJanuary 25, 2025 — They look a lot like flares from an Military aircraft. Very poss…Published: January 25, 2025 [Facebook]facebook.comuntil about 7:30pm. In intervals of about 30 seconds apart, some…

Phoenix Lights - The Dark Truth?

Channel: Found And Explained · Views: 316.8K · Uploaded: December 2022 · Length: 9 minutes

Open on YouTube

The Phoenix Lights and the “giant craft” interpretation

No Arizona case illustrates this mechanism more clearly than the 13 March 1997 Phoenix Lights incident. The event is often remembered as a single mystery, but investigators increasingly treat it as multiple overlapping episodes. [Wikipedia]WikipediaPhoenix LightsPhoenix Lights

The earlier sightings that evening involved witnesses across Arizona reporting a huge V-shaped formation travelling slowly and silently. Some observers believed they were seeing a single structured craft of extraordinary size. Others, including amateur astronomer Mitch Stanley, reported that the lights appeared through telescopes to be individual aircraft flying in formation. [Wikipedia]WikipediaPhoenix LightsPhoenix Lights

Sceptical investigators such as James McGaha and Robert Sheaffer later argued that at least part of the “giant craft” impression resulted from A-10 aircraft flying tactical formation during Operation Snowbird, a recurring winter training programme operating from Davis-Monthan Air Force Base. According to this interpretation, the aircraft maintained spacing and lighting arrangements that, from the ground, encouraged witnesses to perceive one immense object rather than several jets. [Wikipedia]WikipediaPhoenix LightsPhoenix Lights

The psychology of the sighting is important. Witnesses were often certain they had seen a solid craft because:

  • the lights appeared rigidly connected; [facebook.com]facebook.comStrange lights reported in the sky over YumaSmall objects had red, green and blue rotating lights and appeared to be communicating with l…
  • the formation moved smoothly and uniformly;
  • there seemed to be no engine sound;
  • the object appeared enormous against the night sky.

Yet these same features can emerge naturally from disciplined military flying viewed under poor depth conditions. High altitude reduces sound dramatically, while the lack of visible fuselages allows the brain to “draw” a dark triangular shape between lights.

This does not settle every dispute surrounding the Phoenix Lights. Many witnesses remain convinced they saw something extraordinary, and not all testimony fits neatly into the aircraft explanation. But the case became a textbook example of how formation flying can create a compelling illusion of a giant structured craft. [Wikipedia]WikipediaPhoenix LightsPhoenix Lights [Discovery UK]discoveryuk.comthe phoenix lights phenomenon an unsolved ufo mysteryThe Phoenix Lights Phenomenon: An Unsolved UFO Mystery14 May 2024 — Some theories suggest that the V-shaped formation responsible for the…Published: May 2024

Formations illustration 2

Luke and Yuma airspace as recurring sighting backdrops

Reports near Phoenix and Yuma often share common visual characteristics:

  • rows of orange or white lights;
  • large V or boomerang patterns;
  • silent movement;
  • apparent hovering;
  • lights “disappearing” one by one.

These features strongly overlap with known military training behaviour around Arizona ranges. [Flymag]flymag.dkBarry MGoldwater Range – Live firing - FLYMAG20 Aug 2016 — The large size of BMGR means that up to fifty aircraft can train in nine air-to-groun…

Around Luke Air Force Base, F-16 and F-35 training sorties frequently operate after dark. Near Yuma, Marine aviation activity produces similar sightings. Aircraft entering or leaving training areas can appear unusually slow when moving toward the observer, then suddenly accelerate sideways as perspective changes. This creates the impression of impossible motion even when the aircraft maintain ordinary speed.

Formation turns are another common trigger for “giant craft” reports. A line of aircraft banking together may seem to rotate as one solid object. If one aircraft extinguishes or masks its light during manoeuvres, witnesses can interpret the change as part of a larger craft transforming shape.

The Arizona desert also amplifies the illusion of scale. Without clouds, buildings or nearby landmarks, observers often overestimate the size of distant lights. A compact group of jets tens of miles away can therefore appear to span an enormous section of sky.

Formations illustration 3

How to separate manoeuvres from unresolved reports

Military formation flying explains many Arizona light reports, but not every sighting should automatically be dismissed. Investigators usually look for a combination of clues before concluding that training activity was involved.

Signs that favour a military formation explanation include:

  • proximity to known training routes or restricted airspace;
  • multiple lights maintaining stable geometric spacing;
  • gradual movement consistent with aircraft speed;
  • sightings during evening training hours;
  • reports clustered near Luke, Yuma or the Goldwater Range; [flymag.dk]flymag.dkBarry MGoldwater Range – Live firing - FLYMAG20 Aug 2016 — The large size of BMGR means that up to fifty aircraft can train in nine air-to-groun…
  • later confirmation of exercises or flare activity.

Features that tend to weaken a straightforward formation explanation include:

  • very low altitude observations at close range;
  • detailed reports of visible structure under good lighting;
  • radar confirmation inconsistent with known flights;
  • manoeuvres clearly beyond conventional aircraft capability;
  • strong corroboration from trained aviation observers without alternative identification.

Even here, caution is important. Human perception at night is unreliable, especially when observers encounter unfamiliar aviation activity unexpectedly. Distance, silence and darkness routinely distort judgement about speed, scale and shape.

Arizona’s UFO history therefore contains an important tension. Some sightings remain disputed or unresolved, but the state’s heavy concentration of military aviation means that many dramatic “giant craft” reports emerge from a landscape where unusual but entirely terrestrial aerial activity is normal. Formation flying is one of the clearest examples of how that environment can produce convincing UFO experiences without requiring an unknown craft at all.

Person Witnesses Strange Lights Appear and Disappear in Night Sky at Yuma in Arizona - 1213695-2

Channel: RM Videos · Views: 2.8K · Uploaded: August 2021 · Length: 2 minutes 50 seconds

Open on YouTube

Amazon book picks

Further Reading

Books and field guides related to When training flights look like giant craft. Use these as the next step if you want deeper reading beyond the article.

BookCover for UFOs

UFOs

By Leslie Kean

Includes aviation-witness perspectives useful for evaluating formation sightings.

See on Amazon
Browse more on Amazon: UFOs The UFO Experience Skunk Works

As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.

Endnotes

  1. Source: Wikipedia
    Title: Phoenix Lights
    Link: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Phoenix_Lights

  2. Source: axios.com
    Title: lights arizona ufo legend 1997
    Link: https://www.axios.com/local/phoenix/2024/03/13/lights-arizona-ufo-legend-1997
    Source snippet

    Thousands of residents in the Phoenix area reported witnessing mysterious lights arranged in a "V" formation hovering silently over the V...

  3. Source: flymag.dk
    Title: Barry M
    Link: https://flymag.dk/barry-m-goldwater-range-live-firing/
    Source snippet

    Goldwater Range – Live firing - FLYMAG20 Aug 2016 — The large size of BMGR means that up to fifty aircraft can train in nine air-to-groun...

  4. Source: globalsecurity.org
    Title: Global Securitybarry m
    Link: https://www.globalsecurity.org/military/library/report/enviro/gw_report.pdf
    Source snippet

    goldwater range non-renewed parcels studyThe Barry M. Goldwater Range (formerly the Luke Air Force Range) is located in southwest Arizona...

  5. Source: reddit.com
    Title: Saw 10 yellow dots in the sky Yuma, AZ: r/Weird
    Link: https://www.reddit.com/r/Weird/comments/1i9fe5y/saw_10_yellow_dots_in_the_sky_yuma_az/
    Source snippet

    RedditSaw 10 yellow dots in the sky Yuma, AZ: r/WeirdJanuary 25, 2025 — They look a lot like flares from an Military aircraft. Very poss...

    Published: January 25, 2025

  6. Source: facebook.com
    Link: https://www.facebook.com/SMTNewsChismes/posts/military-flares-were-seen-all-over-the-yuma-county-skies-last-night-dont-worry-t/1014549204037715/
    Source snippet

    Then when i went past Main Street heading home it wasn't there...Read more...

  7. Source: facebook.com
    Link: https://www.facebook.com/groups/yumaz/posts/3381034338714648/
    Source snippet

    until about 7:30pm. In intervals of about 30 seconds apart, some...

  8. Source: facebook.com
    Link: https://www.facebook.com/KYMA11/posts/strange-lights-reported-in-the-sky-over-yuma/10156759889209065/
    Source snippet

    Strange lights reported in the sky over YumaSmall objects had red, green and blue rotating lights and appeared to be communicating with l...

  9. Source: discoveryuk.com
    Title: the phoenix lights phenomenon an unsolved ufo mystery
    Link: https://www.discoveryuk.com/mysteries/the-phoenix-lights-phenomenon-an-unsolved-ufo-mystery/
    Source snippet

    The Phoenix Lights Phenomenon: An Unsolved UFO Mystery14 May 2024 — Some theories suggest that the V-shaped formation responsible for the...

    Published: May 2024

  10. Source: facebook.com
    Link: https://www.facebook.com/ABC15/posts/on-the-night-of-march-13-1997-thousands-of-arizonans-looked-up-and-saw-something/1396998099139249/
    Source snippet

    March 13, 1997, thousands of Arizonans...... V-shaped formation of silent lights moving across the sky. No sound. No jets. No known airc...

    Published: March 13, 1997

  11. Source: facebook.com
    Link: https://www.facebook.com/Whattheefact/posts/rows-of-silent-lights-suddenly-appeared-over-phoenix-stopping-people-mid-step-on/122211535700459844/
    Source snippet

    Rows of silent lights suddenly appeared over Phoenix...29 Apr 2026 — The first group of lights were later identified as a formation of A...

  12. Source: facebook.com
    Link: https://www.facebook.com/BarryMGoldwaterRangeEast/photos/989968616638536/
    Source snippet

    Barry M. Goldwater Range EastMilitary training will be taking place in Area B this week. While Area B remains open to the public, visitor...

  13. Source: reddit.com
    Link: https://www.reddit.com/r/UnresolvedMysteries/comments/tdoix4/phoenix_lights_ufo_sighting_happened_25_years_ago/
    Source snippet

    Phoenix Lights: UFO Sighting Happened 25 Years AgoThe point of the "V" was in the direction of movement. The first three lights were in a...

  14. Source: reddit.com
    Title: on march 13 1997 thousands of arizona residents
    Link: https://www.reddit.com/r/interestingasfuck/comments/11qdqfi/on_march_13_1997_thousands_of_arizona_residents/
    Source snippet

    On March 13, 1997 thousands of Arizona residents...On March 13, 1997 the entire city of Phoenix witnessed a giant V-shaped craft flying...

    Published: March 13, 1997

  15. Source: planeandpilotmag.com
    Title: the phoenix lights
    Link: https://planeandpilotmag.com/the-phoenix-lights/
    Source snippet

    20 Sept 2022 — The most popular and intriguing explanation to emerge is that the lights were emitted by extraterrestrial spacecraft...

  16. Source: youtube.com
    Title: Phoenix Lights
    Link: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=N1fW1l1sh-A
    Source snippet

    The Dark Truth?The Flying V wasn't some hugely impossible slow moving aircraft but rather five a tents simply flying in formation...

  17. Source: stampaday.wordpress.com
    Title: the phoenix lights
    Link: https://stampaday.wordpress.com/2019/03/13/the-phoenix-lights/
    Source snippet

    Phoenix Lights - A Stamp A Day13 Mar 2019 — An additional whispered theory on campus is that the aircraft in formation were ERAU aircraft...

Additional References

  1. Source: blm.gov
    Title: 07.13.23 HNR BLM Statement H.R. 4377 Barry Goldwater final
    Link: https://www.blm.gov/sites/default/files/docs/2023-07/07.13.23%20HNR%20BLM%20Statement%20H.R.%204377%20Barry%20Goldwater%20final.pdf
    Source snippet

    Bureau of Land ManagementStatement for the Record13 Jul 2023 — 4377 provides for the extension of the military withdrawal of the BMGR unt...

  2. Source: psmag.com
    Title: Goldwater Range—which also separates many migrants from freedom or death
    Link: https://psmag.com/social-justice/for-many-migrants-the-last-leg-of-the-journey-north-is-through-a-minefield/
    Source snippet

    For Many Migrants, the Last Leg of the Journey North Is...1 Jul 2019 — The Air Force and Marines conduct live-fire drills on the Barry M...

  3. Source: core.tdar.org
    Title: barry m goldwater air force range cultural resources archive
    Link: https://core.tdar.org/collection/70766/barry-m-goldwater-air-force-range-cultural-resources-archive
    Source snippet

    Goldwater Air Force Range Cultural Resources ArchiveCollection of documents, data, and images generated from and/or related to archaeolog...

  4. Source: lasvegassun.com
    Title: military now says flares may be cause of mysteriou
    Link: https://lasvegassun.com/news/1997/jul/25/military-now-says-flares-may-be-cause-of-mysteriou/
    Source snippet

    reported seeing lights in a boomerang formation. That wouldn't appear to cover all the sightings reported that night, as many came from f...

  5. Source: instagram.com
    Title: It’s known as the Phoenix Lights. On the evening of March
    Link: https://www.instagram.com/reel/DYGuA05Mm9Q/
    Source snippet

    March 13, 1997. Thousands of people across Arizona looked up and saw the same thing. A massive, silent craft. V-shaped...

    Published: March 13, 1997

  6. Source: youtube.com
    Link: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=c7w8Lz1QSu8
    Source snippet

    rizona - 1213695-2. 2.8K views · 4 years ago...more. RM Videos...

  7. Source: safety.af.mil
    Link: https://www.safety.af.mil/Portals/71/documents/Magazines/FSM/1950s/195503%20-%20FlyingSafetyMagazine.pdf
    Source snippet

    af.mil195503 - FlyingSafetyMagazine.pdf - Air Force Safety CenterAn Air Fore jet was on a VFR flight from Luke AFB to Lowry AFB via Loma...

  8. Source: fightercountry.org
    Title: FCVP December 2017 web
    Link: https://fightercountry.org/wp-content/uploads/2018/01/FCVP-December-2017_web.pdf
    Source snippet

    Fighter Country Foundation63rd AMU building best future airpower1 Dec 2017 — The Honorary Commander pro- gram that MCAS, Yuma builds will...

    Published: December 2017

  9. Source: youtube.com
    Link: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dJjd4O1eUzo
    Source snippet

    The Phoenix Lights: America's Greatest UFO Mystery...

  10. Source: youtube.com
    Title: What Was That in the Sky!? | Close Encounters 102
    Link: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=anB42BVB_T0
    Source snippet

    New revelations, the truth takes flight | UFOS OVER PHOENIX: CONFESSIONS OF A 911 OPERATOR...

Topic Tree

Follow this branch

Parent topic

Military Skies How Military Flights Shape Arizona UFO Reports

Related pages 1