Space debris or UFO balloons - what's your theory?

9:56am Tuesday 7th August 2007

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MYSTERIOUS lights over Wotton-under-Edge have been the talk of the town this week.

Last week the Gazette reported how a group of orange lights had been seen moving across the sky above the town late at night.

The strange sighting happened on the night of Friday, July 27 at about 10.30pm.

Dursley police had reassured residents that the lights were probably just the police helicopter. However, people in Wotton who saw the lights are convinced otherwise and have come up with several theories to explain the sightings.

Space debris and UFO balloons are two suggestions that have been made.

UFO Balloons are miniature novelty hot-air balloons. They are designed for parties and are an alternative to paper fire lanterns. The balloons last for about eight to 10 minutes and can rise up to 1,000 metres.

Barbara Wright, of Wotton and once a member of the Bristol Astrological Society, said: "I saw the lights. I saw seven of them in formation.

"There were three in an arrow formation and one slightly behind. Then there was a gap then another one came from behind Wotton Hill.

"It was about 10.30pm I was out walking my dog before going to bed.

"I know the difference between stars or lights moving in the sky and a helicopter.

"These lights were completely silent and there were seven of them. Helicopters are much noisier."

Some of our readers also shared their theories on the Gazette website.

Martyn Hirst, of Wotton, said: "The only way I can explain them is that they looked like circular lights the colour of street lamps. With reference to the comment About the police helicopter, I don't think so. No flashing lights and total silence."

The sightings have also been a hot topic on the Wotton-under-Edge community website.

One contributor posted: "I'm quite sure that we are not the only living beings in the universe, but I am sceptical of UFOs I am afraid, so I'm sticking with space debris."