VISUAL PHENOMENA - SIGHTED FROM 'TAYLOR' 1958

On July 17, 1958, at approximately 1300 hours (GMT+7), four individuals—P. Trost, G. Knuckey, P. Chapman, and I. Adams—observed an unusual visual phenomenon while standing at sea level near the Taylor Glacier in Antarctica. The display lasted for 20 minutes and consisted of two distinct forms. The first form was described as an indefinable blob of shadow that traveled from right to left at a high speed, comparable to auroral movement. These shadows appeared at regular intervals of approximately three seconds. The second form consisted of a group of parallel rays, also moving from right to left, which resembled auroral drapery but with greater regularity. These rays were described as being whiter than the surrounding pinkish twilight sky, with grayish spaces between them. They extended from the horizon to an altitude of 10 to 15 degrees before fading. The entire display moved from the eastern sector toward the north, with the frequency of the phenomena in the east gradually lessening as the northern display became more prominent. The observers noted that they were not equipped with instruments to obtain precise measurements, and therefore, the report relies on the observations of experienced personnel.