While hiking Ryan Mountain in Joshua Tree National Park during the solar eclipse, a family spotted a shiny, silver object in the sky that reflected sunlight and resembled a capital “I or sideways H” The object moved in erratic, figure eight patterns and seemed to defy normal flight behavior. Over the course of about 45 minutes, it repeatedly disappeared and reappeared before vanishing entirely. This happened nearly 5 times. The object was described to be roughly the size of a car or a small plane. The witness emphasized that it did not resemble any known aircraft and noted its proximity to the nearby Marine base at Twentynine Palms.

Civilian Ground

A family hiking Ryan Mountain in Joshua Tree National Park during the solar eclipse observed a reflective, silver object shaped like a capital “I” or a sideways “H” moving slowly and erratically in the sky.  It remained visible for about 45 minutes. In the final minutes, it repeatedly vanished and reappeared before disappearing completely. The witness noted its proximity to the nearby U.S. military base. 

Family of 4, hiking through Joshua Tree National Park. 

Report ID: CIV-2023-261

Summary

Witness Background

Event Narrative

Media

Dive in Deeper