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) inside the border of Lithuania, the crew observed an unusual aerial phenomenon. The object was described as a blinding, single, stationary light source of constant intensity. It was estimated to be 10 to 15 miles (16 to 24 kilometers) off the aircraft's flight path and positioned five to six thousand feet (1,500 to 1,800 meters) below the aircraft, situated above a lower cloud layer. The light, which was yellowish in color and resembled a sodium vapor lamp, was of such high intensity that it could not be viewed directly for any duration, and it illuminated the top of the lower cloud layer, creating a glowing cast. The BEA pilot, expressing concern regarding the light's presence, contacted Soviet authorities to request an identification of the source. The Soviet authorities provided a negative identification response and advised the pilot that he should not ask questions. The light remained visible for approximately 10 to 15 minutes until the aircraft had flown past and left the source behind.