Yukoners Are Seeing The Light

This article, written by reporter June Franklin for the Whitehorse Star and published in February 1964, documents a series of sightings of mysterious red lights over Whitehorse, Yukon, during January 1964. The author describes the initial skepticism surrounding the reports, noting that the local community and the newspaper editor were initially dismissive of the claims. The first report came from a resident on January 1, who observed red lights resembling 60-watt bulbs moving up and down. The author herself witnessed similar lights on January 7 or 8, describing them as hovering with no noise and moving like a mobile. Subsequent reports from other independent witnesses, including 'sober sceptics,' reinforced the phenomenon. The article details efforts to identify the source of the lights, including inquiries to the police, the weather office, and local flying services, all of which yielded no definitive explanation. One government employee reported seeing two lights and hearing two bangs, which led to speculation about signal flares used in the Prospector's Assistance Program. However, the author questions whether flares could account for the 'mysterious' nature of the sightings. The RCMP investigated reports in Haines Junction but could not trace the source, and the Meteorological Office confirmed they were launching weather balloons, though these were not equipped with red lights. The article concludes by highlighting the frustration of residents who feel that official explanations are being withheld or are simply non-existent, leaving the public to speculate on the nature of the lights.