La Crosse, WI: Jellyfish-like UAP with radar confirmation
On October 7, 2022, controllers at La Crosse Tower observed a large unknown object displaying alternating colored lights about five miles south of the airport. The phenomenon was detected on primary radar and described by observers as resembling a jellyfish traveling westbound at low altitude.
Background
At approximately 2230 EDT on October 7, 2022, La Crosse Tower (LSE) reported tracking a target five miles south of the airport. The object was described as large and operating at a low level of 1,500 feet, displaying alternating red, blue, and green lights. Air traffic control noted strong primary radar returns, indicating a solid physical object rather than a drone or weather phenomenon. Aircraft in the vicinity also reported observing the unidentified aerial phenomenon. The ZMP sector controller confirmed observing a primary target on radar with significant returns described as crosses all over the screen. The object was traveling westbound and was observed by both ground-based controllers and aircrew. Despite the radar confirmation, no explanation for the object was determined. Attempts to retrieve ATC audio recordings failed due to the FAA's 45-day retention schedule having expired by the time of the records request.