Ball-Shaped Light Over Vancouver Streets

On the evening of December 23, 1967, at approximately 9:55 p.m., an individual named John S. Martin observed an unidentified aerial phenomenon from his bedroom window in Vancouver, British Columbia. The witness described the object as a large, ball-shaped, and smooth-surfaced light that appeared to be luminous from an internal source. Its diameter was compared to that of a car tire. The night sky was clear, though devoid of stars. Initially, the object traveled horizontally at a speed estimated between 30 and 45 miles per hour, maintaining an altitude of 50 to 100 feet above nearby buildings. The witness noted that the object appeared to be under intelligent control, as it seemed to be scouting or searching for something. During the observation, which lasted between 30 seconds and one minute, the object performed a turn, during which it shifted in color from red to white with a trace of blue. Simultaneously, it accelerated to at least 100 miles per hour, appearing oval-shaped due to its velocity, with a white-blue glow described as resembling a sparkler. The witness reported hearing no motor noise and observing no exhaust. Following the event, the witness attempted to inform his mother, who had just finished a telephone call, but she did not believe his account. The report was subsequently published in the Canadian UFO Report, Vol. 1, No. 2, in March-April 1969.