The Birth of Flying Saucers

On June 24, 1947, pilot Kenneth Arnold observed nine unusual objects flying in formation near Mount Rainier. His description to reporters launched the term “flying saucer” and began the modern UFO era that continues to this day.

The Pilot

Kenneth Arnold:

• Businessman
• Experienced pilot
• Boise, Idaho
• Search and rescue volunteer
• Credible observer

The Flight

June 24, 1947:

• CallAir A-2
• Searching for crashed plane
• Near Mount Rainier
• Afternoon
• Clear conditions

The Sighting

What he saw:

• Nine objects
• Bright flashing
• In formation
• High speed
• Unusual movement

The Speed

Arnold calculated:

• Over 1,700 mph
• Far beyond 1947 aircraft
• Based on timing
• Between peaks
• Extraordinary

The Movement

His description:

• Like saucers skipping
• On water
• Undulating motion
• In formation
• Not straight flight

The Term

Media creation:

• Arnold described movement
• “Like a saucer skipping”
• Reporter wrote “flying saucers”
• Term stuck
• Global phenomenon

Object Shape

Actually described:

• Crescent or bat-wing
• Not disc-shaped
• Media simplified
• Saucer became default
• Terminology stuck

The Report

Arnold’s actions:

• Landed Yakima
• Told friends
• Contacted newspaper
• FBI involved
• Thorough account

Official Response

Military interest:

• Investigated
• Project Sign later
• Taken seriously
• No explanation
• Beginning of official interest

Public Impact

The result:

• Massive publicity
• Similar reports flooded in
• UFO era began
• Cultural phenomenon
• Lasting impact

Attempted Explanations

Theories included:

• Pelicans
• Mirages
• Secret aircraft
• None satisfactory
• Arnold dismissed them

Arnold’s Later Career

After 1947:

• Continued investigating
• Had more sightings
• Published accounts
• Defended observations
• Until death 1984

The Investigation

Researchers noted:

• Consistent account
• Credible witness
• Precise details
• Maintained story
• Never wavered

Significance

Single sighting that launched the modern UFO phenomenon and created terminology still used today.

Legacy

Kenneth Arnold’s sighting created the flying saucer phenomenon—one pilot’s observation that changed how humanity views the sky and our place in the universe.