The Kaikōura Lights
On December 21, Safe Air pilots flying an Argosy freighter reported lights near their aircraft, and Wellington air traffic control tracked unknown targets on radar. Ten days later an Australian TV crew led by reporter Quentin Fogarty flew the same route and filmed bright lights on 16mm film for about fifteen minutes while the plane's own radar showed returns. The footage was broadcast around the world.
The ledger
What the record shows, what people say, and the best explanation available so far.
What's documented
- The film, audio recording and crew accounts.
- Investigations by the Air Force, police and Carter Observatory, now at the National Archives in Wellington.
What's claimed
- Craft followed the aircraft along the coast.
Best explanation so far
New Zealand's scientists and Defence officials favored the powerful lights of squid fishing boats, reflected by clouds and distorted by weather, along with Venus. A 2000 analysis supported the squid boats. American physicist Bruce Maccabee argued at least part of it stayed unexplained.
Check the sources
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