Aerial Observation of Intense Source of Light

On 10 September 1976, a British European Airways (BEA) flight, identified as number 831, was traveling from Moscow to London. Between 1800 and 1900 hours, while the aircraft was cruising at approximately 33,000 feet (9,900 meters) near the border of Lithuania, the crew observed an unusual light. The object was described as a blinding, single source of constant intensity that remained stationary off the starboard side of the aircraft. The pilot estimated the light to be 10 to 15 miles (16 to 24 kilometers) away and positioned 5,000 to 6,000 feet (1,500 to 1,800 meters) below the aircraft, hovering above a lower cloud layer. The light, which was yellowish in color and resembled a sodium vapor lamp, was so intense that it could not be viewed directly and cast a glow upon the clouds below. The pilot contacted Soviet authorities to request an identification of the source. The Soviet response was negative, and the pilot was advised not to ask further questions. The light remained visible for 10 to 15 minutes until the aircraft moved past it.