Drone/UAP Sighting in Southeast Minnesota
Summary:
– Time: 7:04 PM (local) on March 2, 2025
– Location: Approximately 20 miles west of Rochester, Minnesota
– Key Features: Rapidly flashing lights, undetermined shape (lights appeared to be in a cross), flying at a low altitude (estimated around 500 feet), typical speed of a small fixed-wing aircraft
Detailed Account of the Sighting:
While driving west on Highway 14 with my wife after leaving Rochester, I spotted an unusual object just after 7:00 PM. Given the proximity of Rochester’s small airport and the larger Minneapolis airport around 80 miles to the north, air traffic isn’t surprising in this region. However, the craft displayed a peculiar strobing light pattern that was definitely not compliant with FAA regulations. It was flying quite low—my best guess puts it around 500 feet—and its speed seemed consistent with that of a small plane.
I wasn’t able to discern a definite shape; my wife thought it looked somewhat circular, but I couldn’t see a clear outline. To get a better sense of it, I rolled down my window trying to catch any potential sound from the craft. Despite the road noise, I couldn’t hear anything definitive. The object appeared to be almost directly overhead, and I managed to glimpse it through my sunroof.
I’ve been following the UFO phenomenon for several years, and I must admit it’s challenging for me to remain impartial. This is why I’m sharing my experience here, despite the rather poor video quality (I used an iPhone 14, just in case anyone is interested).
I know that many who report UFO sightings often describe feeling some kind of mental “connection” with the craft. I did not experience any such feeling, but interestingly, just moments before spotting it, I had a fleeting thought questioning the validity of past UFO promises—wondering if maybe it’s all just nonsense. This thought occurred to me less than 10 seconds before I saw the object. Since I think about UFOs frequently, it may just be a coincidence, but I thought some of you might find it intriguing.
That’s an intriguing sighting! The rapid strobing lights and unusual flight characteristics you described definitely set it apart from typical aircraft. The fact that it was flying at about 500 feet and had a light pattern that doesn’t comply with FAA regulations raises a lot of questions.
It’s also interesting that you and your wife had slightly different perceptions of the shape. That can often happen with aerial phenomena, especially in low visibility situations. The lack of sound is notable too, as many people expect some noise from aircraft at that altitude.
Your mental connection is a fascinating aspect of the experience. It adds a personal layer to sightings that many others have reported. Whether it’s a coincidence or something more, it’s certainly thought-provoking. Have you considered sharing your video footage with a local UFO group or online community? They might offer additional insights or similar sightings in the area. Thanks for sharing your experience!