Brazil's Night of the UFOs
One night, Brazil's air defence radar tracked about 21 unknown objects, and fighter jets were sent up to chase them.
What was reported
On the evening of 19 May 1986, radar operators in south-eastern Brazil began tracking unidentified objects over São Paulo, Rio de Janeiro, Minas Gerais and Goiás. Civilian pilots and air traffic controllers reported bright lights. In all, about 21 objects were reported.
The Brazilian Air Force scrambled five fighter jets. Some pilots reported lights that kept pace with them or vanished as they approached. A few days later, the Minister of Aeronautics held a press conference with the pilots and confirmed the radar contacts.
Explanations offered
No official explanation was given at the time. Suggestions include planets and stars, radar effects caused by weather, and balloons. An air force report made public years later described the objects as real and solid, but did not identify them. In Brazil, 19 May is sometimes marked as 'Official UFO Night'.
- When
- 19 May 1986
- Where
- São Paulo, Rio de Janeiro and nearby states, Brazil
- Witnesses
- Air force pilots, air traffic controllers and civilian pilots
- Status
- Unexplained
Famous cases are real, widely reported events. Each file sets out what witnesses said and the explanations that have been offered, without taking a side.