Five UFO Hot Spots in the American Southwest
The dramatic geology and wide-open spaces of the American Southwest lend themselves to UFO activity—imaginary or real—making it one of the top spots for sightings.
Roswell, New Mexico, may be the most notable name in extraterrestrial lore, but there are plenty of other hot spots in the region that deserve honorable mentions.
Here are five:
1. Marfa, Texas
On a desert plateau in western Texas, the town of Marfa is known for the Marfa Lights—reddish-orange spheres that are three to six feet (one to three meters) in diameter and travel at high speed. They are said to glow like a distant star at first, then brighten to the intensity of a flashlight, sometimes flickering on and off. There is a public viewing platform nine miles (25 kilometers) east of Marfa, on Highway 90.
2. Levelland, Texas
At 11 p.m. on November 2, 1957, patrolman A. J. Fowler took a call from Pedro Saucedo and Joe Salaz. They explained how they had been out driving when a brightly lit, cigar-shaped object had come toward them. As it approached, their engine cut out. Similar calls followed. They all described an egg-shaped craft that changed from orange to a bluish-green color as it landed.
3. Turkey Springs, Arizona
Logger Travis Walton reported being abducted by aliens in the Apache-Sitgreaves National Forest, near Turkey Springs, on November 5, 1975. Six colleagues said they had fled in fear after seeing lights and a disk hovering above Walton. When they returned with police, Walton had vanished. Walton reappeared five days later to tell his extraordinary story, which went on to form the basis for what would become one of the first mainstream accounts of alien abduction, 1993’s Fire in the Sky.
4. Piney Woods, Texas
In 1980 Betty Cash, her friend, and her friend’s grandson were driving home when they came upon a diamond-shaped UFO that was emitting tremendous heat. Military helicopters circled overhead. Back home, they were treated for radiation sickness, and Betty was later found to have skin cancer. The three failed in their attempt to make the government accept liability.
5. Stephenville, Texas
In 2008 the town of Stephenville made national headlines when local residents reported dozens of UFO sightings. In the early evening of January 8, reports of massive crafts filling the skies poured into police stations. Some claimed they were the size of a football field; others that they were one mile (1.6 kilometers) long. Many claimed that they saw military aircraft pursuing the UFOs.
This piece, written by Sarah Bartlett, first appeared in the National Geographic book Guide to the World’s Supernatural Places.
> Related:
- Buy the book: Guide to the World’s Supernatural Places
You May Also Like
Go Further
Animals
- These 'trash fish' are among Earth's most primitive animalsThese 'trash fish' are among Earth's most primitive animals
- These photos are works of art—and the artists are bugsThese photos are works of art—and the artists are bugs
- The epic migration of a 6-foot long, 200-pound catfishThe epic migration of a 6-foot long, 200-pound catfish
- Frans de Waal, biologist who studied animal emotion, dies at 75Frans de Waal, biologist who studied animal emotion, dies at 75
Environment
- Are synthetic diamonds really better for the planet? The answer isn't clear-cut.Are synthetic diamonds really better for the planet? The answer isn't clear-cut.
- This year's cherry blossom peak bloom was a warning signThis year's cherry blossom peak bloom was a warning sign
- The U.S. just announced an asbestos ban. What took so long?The U.S. just announced an asbestos ban. What took so long?
- The most dangerous job? Inside the world of underwater weldersThe most dangerous job? Inside the world of underwater welders
- The harrowing flight that wild whooping cranes make to surviveThe harrowing flight that wild whooping cranes make to survive
History & Culture
- Meet the powerful yokai that inspired the demon king in ‘Demon Slayer’Meet the powerful yokai that inspired the demon king in ‘Demon Slayer’
- A surprising must-wear for European monarchs? Weasels.A surprising must-wear for European monarchs? Weasels.
- Meet the woman who made Polaroid into a cultural iconMeet the woman who made Polaroid into a cultural icon
- Inside the observatory that birthed modern astrophysicsInside the observatory that birthed modern astrophysics
Science
- LED light treatments for skin are trendy—but do they actually work?LED light treatments for skin are trendy—but do they actually work?
- NASA smashed an asteroid. The debris could hit Mars.NASA smashed an asteroid. The debris could hit Mars.
- Humans really can have superpowers—scientists are studying themHumans really can have superpowers—scientists are studying them
- Why engineers are concerned about aging infrastructureWhy engineers are concerned about aging infrastructure
Travel
- Why you should try beach-hopping by boat around Paxos, GreeceWhy you should try beach-hopping by boat around Paxos, Greece
- Mansion museums show visitors the gritty side of the Gilded AgeMansion museums show visitors the gritty side of the Gilded Age
- 2024 will be huge for astrotourism—here’s how to plan your trip2024 will be huge for astrotourism—here’s how to plan your trip