The Delphos Ring

On November 2, 1971, teenager Ronald Johnson watched a glowing mushroom-shaped object hover near his family’s farm in Delphos, Kansas. When it departed, it left a luminous ring on the ground with bizarre properties that persisted for years, making this one of the best physical trace cases on record.

The Witness

Ronald Johnson:

• 16 years old
• Farm family
• Doing evening chores
• With dog
• Clear observation

The Location

Johnson farm:

• Delphos, Kansas
• Rural setting
• November evening
• Open areas
• Good visibility

The Sighting

November 2, 1971:

• Around 7:00 PM
• Object appeared
• Near ground
• Among trees
• About 75 feet away

The Object

Ronald described:

• Mushroom-shaped
• About 9 feet diameter
• Bright, multi-colored
• Hovering
• Humming sound

The Light

Extremely bright:

• Hurt eyes to look
• Multiple colors
• Pulsating
• Illuminated area
• Like daytime

Duration

The encounter:

• Several minutes
• Object stationary
• Then rose slowly
• Accelerated up
• Departed south

The Aftermath

Ronald:

• Eyes hurt
• Temporary blindness
• Called parents
• Showed them site
• Ring visible

The Ring

On the ground:

• Circular impression
• About 8 feet diameter
• Glowing
• When parents touched soil
• Fingers went numb

Physical Effects on Witnesses

Parents reported:

• Numb fingers
• For days
• Touching the ring
• Caused reaction
• Strange property

The Dog

Family dog:

• With Ronald
• During sighting
• Traumatized
• Died two years later
• Possible connection

The Soil

Laboratory analysis:

• Soil samples taken
• Anomalous properties
• Hydrophobic (water resistant)
• Chemical changes
• Years later still present

Hydrophobic Effect

Water behavior:

• Wouldn’t penetrate soil
• Beaded on surface
• Unusual property
• Not normal
• Long-lasting

The Ring Duration

Remarkable persistence:

• Visible for years
• Snow didn’t accumulate there
• Plants didn’t grow
• Permanent change
• Physical evidence

Investigation

Multiple researchers:

• Examined site
• Took samples
• Documented ring
• Interviewed family
• Thorough case

National Enquirer Prize

The case won:

• $5,000 prize
• For best UFO case of 1971
• Panel of judges
• Including scientists
• Recognized significance

Skeptical Examination

Some suggested:

• Fungal ring
• Chemical contamination
• Not satisfactory
• Properties too unusual
• Timing coincidental

The Family

The Johnsons:

• Maintained account
• Never changed story
• Didn’t seek publicity
• Credible witnesses
• Farm family

Significance

Delphos significant for:

• Physical evidence
• Laboratory analysis
• Lasting ground effect
• Physiological effects
• Award recognition

Legacy

The Delphos ring case represents one of the best physical trace UFO cases due to the persistent ground effects and laboratory analysis. The anomalous soil properties, lasting years after the event, provide tangible evidence of something extraordinary.