Witness

Kenneth Arnold

Civilian pilot

Idaho-based businessman and pilot whose 24 June 1947 sighting of nine high-speed objects near Mount Rainier, Washington, gave rise to the term 'flying saucer.' His account is widely cited as the start of the modern UFO era.

Connected events

Sighting
June 24, 1947
Kenneth Arnold reports nine high-speed objects near Mount Rainier
Civilian pilot Kenneth Arnold reports nine crescent-shaped objects flying in formation near Mount Rainier at speeds he estimates at more than 1,200 mph. His description gives rise to the term 'flying saucer' and is widely treated as the start of the modern UFO era.

Kenneth Arnold reports nine high-speed objects near Mount Rainier