The Exeter Incident, which unfolded in September 1965 in the small town of Exeter, New Hampshire, is one of the most well-documented and compelling UFO sightings in American history. With multiple witnesses, including law enforcement officers, this series of sightings remains a cornerstone case in the study of unidentified flying objects.
The First Encounter
On the night of September 3, 1965, 18-year-old Norman Muscarello was hitchhiking along Route 150, near the Exeter town line. As he walked in the dark, he encountered a massive, silent object hovering nearby. The craft was described as being brightly lit with red flashing lights that pulsated in sequence. Terrified, Muscarello fled to a nearby house and later reported the incident to the Exeter Police Department.
Police Involvement
Officer Eugene Bertrand was dispatched to investigate Muscarello’s report. Earlier that evening, Bertrand had spoken with two other individuals who claimed to have seen a similar object. Bertrand, accompanied by Muscarello, returned to the site of the sighting. There, they were joined by Officer David Hunt.
The officers and Muscarello witnessed the object themselves. They described it as a large, silent craft with intense red lights that moved erratically and seemed to respond to their presence. The sighting lasted several minutes before the object suddenly ascended and disappeared into the night sky.
Additional Witnesses
The Exeter Incident was not an isolated event. Over the following nights, numerous residents reported similar sightings. These witnesses described seeing large, brightly lit objects moving silently and unpredictably in the sky. Some accounts came from credible observers, including military personnel stationed nearby.
Theories and Explanations
The Exeter Incident has inspired a range of theories:
- Extraterrestrial Origin: UFO enthusiasts argue that the craft’s behavior and appearance suggest it was of alien origin, particularly given its ability to hover silently and move at high speeds.
- Military Activity: Skeptics propose that the sightings were related to military exercises from nearby Pease Air Force Base. The area was known for hosting experimental aircraft and training maneuvers.
- Atmospheric Phenomena: Another explanation is that the witnesses may have seen an unusual combination of atmospheric conditions and man-made lights, creating an illusion of a flying object.
- Mass Hysteria: Some contend that the widespread reports were a case of mass hysteria, fueled by the initial sightings and the growing media attention.
Investigation and Legacy
The incident drew national attention and was thoroughly investigated by civilian UFO organizations, including NICAP (National Investigations Committee on Aerial Phenomena). The U.S. Air Force’s Project Blue Book also examined the case but did not provide a definitive explanation.
The Exeter Incident has since become a symbol of the UFO phenomenon, inspiring books, documentaries and public discussions about extraterrestrial life. Exeter celebrates its unique place in UFO history with an annual festival, “The Exeter UFO Festival,” drawing enthusiasts and researchers from around the world.