Over the past few days WeatherWatch.co.nz has received a big jump in reports of strange lights seen over the skies of Napier.

WeatherWatch.co.nz reader Fraser Duncan says he saw three lights travelling in formation – and sent us a photo showing what he – and many others – have seen.

“This is a thirty-second time exposure, so the lights show as streaks, three lights travelling in formation from right to left, NW to SE”.

Mr Duncan says the lights did twinkle a little, which he believes indicates either atmospheric
disturbance (implying they were at a considerable height) or variable power output.

However WeatherWatch.co.nz forecasters believe the lights were most likely chinese lanterns.  From the ground it is hard to tell just how far away they really are – but chances are they were close to the ground and the twinkling was most likely the small flame inside flickering.

Chinese lanterns have caused many “UFO” sightings across New Zealand and all over the world in recent years.

Another photo of the lights captured by Alana Geddes at 9:45pm on Boxing Day.

Have you seen strange lights in the sky?  Go to our Meteors – Your Eyewitness Reports page.

– WeatherWatch.co.nz