Doppler Radar Image - 3:08 PM CST.
Note: Yellow Images Near Witness Location
Indicate Stronger Radar Returns.

Doppler Radar Image - 3:18 PM CST.
Note: Yellow Images Near Witness Location
Indicate Stronger Radar Returns.

Doppler Radar Image - 3:29 PM CST.
Note: Orange Images Near Witness Location
Indicate Stronger Radar Returns.

Date of Sighting: February 24, 2008
Time of Sighting: 3 to 3:30 PM CST
Date Sighting Reported: February 27, 2008
Duration of Sighting: 2 to 5 Minutes
Location of Sighting: San Antonio, Texas
Latitude: 29.54 Degrees North
Longitude: 98.65 Degrees West
Number of Witnesses: Three
Number of Witnesses Interviewed: One
Weather: Clear Skies. (Per Witness Observation.)

Description: Listen to Taped Interview With Witness (MP3)
The Witness phone in his sighting 3 days after it happened. He stated that two family members and himself were outside and saw a white object that at first seemed to be a paper bag drifting in the wind. The object was white and was tumbling. However, the object flew right overhead and appeared to in the shape of a "guitar pick" and that point the witnesses knew that it wasn't a paper bag. The object made a lazy "U turn" from an east-northeasterly direction to a south-southwesterly direction, rapidly ascended (4,000 in 30 seconds), became encircled by several "white orbs" and then disappeared.

Comments: Quite obviously the witnesses did not see a balloon or a white paper bag. A check of the winds aloft for San Antonio on the date shows that the object would have been "flying into the wind" as it ascended. The appearance of white orbs also is strange. More investigation of this case is necessary. I have requested radar return data from the FAA. I will be analyzing doppler radar returns for the area. Updates will be posted. Anyone in the San Antonio area who saw anything strange on the above date is urged to file a report.

Doppler Radar Analysis Notes: The above 3 radar images cover the time period when the witness estimated that he saw the object (3 to 3:30 PM CST). As one moves farther from the radar antenna the strength of radar return weakens. The radar images above do show some concentration of stronger reflectivity (reflected signal strength) near where the witness saw the object at the given distance from the radar antenna. This is suggestive that radar may have detected the object. However, it is not concrete proof of a radar detection. Doppler radar is designed to pick up precipitation and wind fields. However, on this afternoon in San Antonio the doppler radar was running in "clear air" (non-precipitation) mode. In this mode the radar is more sensitive and can pick up birds, insects, and even atmospheric particulates.