MOD file DEFE 24/2032/1

LOOSE MINUTE
D/DA0/1/13
Tact 96
Sec{AS)2al
UNUSUAL AIR PHENOMENON - 5 Oct 96
1. After efforts to analyse the various sightings of
lights which occurred in the early hours of 5 Oct 96, I
that three separate phenomena can be identified; each is
described below with a possible or probable explanation.
LIGHTS IN THE WASH AREA
unusual
believe
briefly
2. Stationary and generally red/green/white flashing lights to
the south east at about 40-45 degrees above the horizon; no
reliable height or range could be determined. The lights were
observed by Skegness and Boston Police between 0214Z and
approximately 0600Z (daybreak); similar lights were observed from
the MV Conocoast (approx 8 miles ESE of Skegness from 0345Z until
daybreak. The lights observed from Skegness were captured on video
which is being sent to RAF Neatishead, however, the result is
believed to be of poor quality.
3. The fact that these lights were observed from three separate
locations high above the horizon and in the same general
directiop, without corroborating radar data, suggests a distant
celestial source. Venus rising may be a possible explanation
since the planet can appear bright, coloured and to flash in
certain conditions.
LIGHTS TO THE NORTH OF MV CONOCOAST
4. Stationary red, blue, green and white flashing lights to the
north and 'very high', 40-45 degrees above the horizon. Lights
observed from the MV Conocoast between 0246Z and approximately
0600Z (daybreak).
5. These lights were observed from a single location out at sea
in the opposite direction to those at para 2. They would appear
to have originated from an area over the North Sea but again at an
angle well above the horizon. These lights were not the object of
any attention on 5 oct, or subsequently, but remain unexplained.
PERMANENT RADAR ECHOS
6. Generally stationary radar returns, without height or IFF/
SSR, observed on the NATS Claxby radar at 0210Z until 1105Z over
Boston and later on the RAF Waddington ATC radar.
7. These returns were almost certainly from a permanent
geographical feature (St Botolph's church spire in Boston, 273ft)
which were initially observed while attempting to associated an
air track with the lights; in fact, no aircraft movement was