What Was That Mysterious Light Over California's Sky?

By RENEE SCHIAVONE (Patch Staff)

Did YOU spot it?

People from all over California had one major question Saturday night, just what wasthat over the sky?

What looked like a blue light hanging on the horizon had the internet abuzz with guesses and conspiracy theories ranging from the logical to bizarre, took social media by storm. Was it a weather balloon? A comet? A UFO?

Whatever it was, it was bright. And if you were outside around 6:00 p.m. PST, you likely saw it.

Though it may be fun to think that we had some visitors for the night, it appears it was actually a military test, according to the US Coast Guard.

Coast Guard officials told ABC7 that the light was caused a rocket launched near a Naval base.

The Navy released the following statement Saturday night:

“Navy Strategic Systems Programs conducted scheduled Trident II (D5) missile test flight at sea from USS Kentucky, an Ohio Class SSBN, in the Pacific Test Range off the coast of Southern California. The tests were part of a scheduled, ongoing system evaluation test. Launches are conducted on a frequent, recurring basis to ensure the continued reliability of the system. Each test activity provides valuable information about our systems, thus contributing to assurance in our capabilities.

The missile was not armed. Strategic Systems Programs does not routinely announce missile testing. Information regarding the test launch of Trident II (D5) missiles is classified before the launch.”

Patch will update this breaking news story as more information becomes available.

Photo credit: Ana Maria Fultz. Photo of light over California sky as seen in Yucaipa.

If you saw the light, let us know in the comments below!