Semi-Transparent Orange Phenomena — Syria

An internal DoD memo from an F-18 flight crew operating over Syria describes two semi-transparent orange phenomena at approximately 30,000 feet. Each phenomenon was visible for precisely 2 seconds and described as 'multiple glares or light from an unknown origin.' The objects appeared semi-transparent, meaning the pilots could perceive the sky and terrain features through them. The two objects maintained a geometrically precise spacing throughout their visibility window before disappearing simultaneously. The F-18's FLIR system captured both phenomena on infrared. The IR signature shows the objects had no discernible heat signature despite their luminosity, which is inconsistent with any known combustion, plasma, or atmospheric phenomenon.