On this day in 1977, an anomalous atmospheric event known as the Petrozavodsk Event, was observed from Helsinki in the west to Vladivostok in the east and all points between. The phenomenon was named after Petrozavodsk, where a glowing craft was seen hovering over the city. Witnesses describe the event as similar to an aurora but lower in the atmosphere. Others claim the glow was accompanied by some kind of aircraft streaking across the sky.
The event remains unexplained, though it has been suggested that the atmospheric display was a “space jellyfish,” a phenomenon known to occur when a rocket or spacecraft leaves the atmosphere during predawn hours. This would correspond with the launch of the Soviet satellite Kosmos-955 that night. Another theory suggests that it was a failed Soviet ICBM test at Kapustin Yar, a military training facility. However, none of these explanations explain the vast distances covered by the anomaly.
Jason Roberts is a Seattle-based author noted for his acclaimed Western Horror series The Dead Wind Trilogy and other works of cosmic horror infused with historical fiction. His web-based series, Dark Distractions, examines paranormal mysteries, unexplained phenomena, and all things strange.
