UFO Hovers 300 Feet Over Indian Point Nuclear Plant Reactor

In 1984, six security guards at the Indian Point nuclear power plant in Buchanan, New York, witnessed a massive UFO hovering approximately 300 feet directly over the nuclear reactor dome. The incident was part of the broader Hudson Valley UFO wave (1982-1986) investigated by J. Allen Hynek and Phil Imbrogno, raising acute national security concerns about nuclear infrastructure vulnerability.

The Incident

On July 24, 1984, at around 10:15-10:20 PM, the UFO hovered no more than 300 feet above the exhaust tower of the operating reactor number three at Indian Point.

The object was very low, about 700 feet above ground, and flew within 30 feet of the reactor.

It hovered for 15-20 minutes before making a sharp 90-degree turn to the southeast, rotating like it was on a wheel, and moving away slowly.

Witnesses

• Six (or up to 12) security guards from the New York State Power Authority observed the event while in radio contact with headquarters.
• They described a giant object, shaped like an ice cream cone with a semi-circle of lights changing from yellow to white and a red blinking light.
• The shift supervisor grew concerned as it flew over the working reactor.

Investigation

J. Allen Hynek and Phil Imbrogno investigated as part of the Hudson Valley UFO wave.

The same night, a UFO was videotaped in Brewster, New York (20 miles east), analyzed by Jet Propulsion Laboratory scientists, remaining unidentified.

Plant management acknowledged sightings but attributed them to Cessna pilots; no arrest records found.

Significance

As the UFO approached the east gate, motion sensors shut down and the alarm system failed.

This overflight highlighted national security concerns regarding the vulnerability of nuclear infrastructure.

The Nuclear Regulatory Commission had no documentation of the incident.