Illinois might just be one of the most UFO-crazy states in the nation. Using data from the National UFO Reporting Center and the Mutual UFO Network, Metrocosm has created an interactive map that includes more than 90,000 reported UFO sightings dating all the way back to 1905.
Unlike Rachel, Nev., Illinois isn't considered a go-to destination for ET enthusiasts hoping to catch a glimpse of some paranormal activity. But according to Metrocosm's map, UFO hunters might have a better chance at spotting strange lights in the skies of Illinois than anywhere else in the country.
Six of the 10 most corroborated UFO sightings in recent U.S. history have occurred in Illinois, says Max Galka of Metrocosm. Galka assumes the more witness reports there are, the more credible the UFO sighting. Take a look at the map below. The size of the circle represents the number of witness reports.
While researchers, astronomers and scientists say at least 95 percent of UFO sightings can be explained, perhaps the most interesting of UFO sightings in Illinois are the recurring "Tinley Park Lights," sometimes referred to as the "Tinley Park Triangle."
Six of the 10 most-corroborated UFO sightings in the U.S. have happened in Illinois. Here are three:
"Tinley Park Lights"
1. Aug. 20, 2004
- Location: Tinley Park
- Witness reports: 45
- Description: 3 red lights in triangle formation
2. Oct. 31, 2004
- Location: Tinley Park
- Witness reports: 77
- Description: 3 red lights in triangle formation
Witness account:
At about 8:00 p.m., Oct. 31, 2004, three bright red lights were seen in the eastern sky. They started out in a gradual "L" formation. They were moving very slowly. There was no noise, like an airplane or helicopter would make. It then seemed like they were moving closer to one another. They moved into a perfect "L" formation, then a straight vertical formation, and then a triangular formation (one at the top two at the bottom). Then, the top light seemed to fall quickly out of place, going straight down. And eventually you couldn't see it anymore. It seemed to disappear. The other two kept moving slowly, not changing positions. Then they seemed to gradually move away from one another. It was a cloudy/foggy night, so the other two eventually disappeared. Then at about 9:20 p.m. that same evening, another bright red light was seen moving east, all by itself. It was only visible for a few minutes, then disappeared.
3. Oct. 1, 2005
- Location: Tinley Park
- Witness reports: 72
- Description: 2-3 red lights in triangle formation
Check out three more Illinois UFO sightings considered by some to be very credible.
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