1990 · Greifswald, Baltic coast, Germany
Greifswald lights
Video frame: two clusters of lights over the Baltic coast near Greifswald, 24 Aug 1990, from an amateur witness video as shown in an ARD documentary. Low-resolution (320x240 source, upscaled to 640x480). Military illumination flares have been proposed. · Witness video (videographer not identified), via ARD documentary; clip hosted by Patrick Gross
When24 August 1990
WhereGreifswald, Baltic coast, Germany
On the evening of 24 August 1990, weeks before German reunification, dozens of people at Greifswald on the Baltic coast watched two groups of seven lights, and at least six videos were shot. A skeptic group later argued for military illumination flares, but no exercise log has been produced.
How plausible · High
Dozens of witnesses and at least six independent videos record two groups of seven lights; flares are proposed, but no exercise log has surfaced.
- ●●Access Seen directly over the coast.
- ●●No gain sought Ordinary residents.
- ●●Independent convergence Dozens of witnesses, six videos.
- ●●Physical traces or official reaction Six videos.
- ●○Restraint Witnesses describe lights only.
- ●○Checkable details check out The videos survive.
Plausibility weighs how well an account fits where secrecy hides the documents by design, so missing records never count against it. Strength measures what is documented. Assessed 2026-10-23.
Claims
Two groups of seven lights, seen by dozens of witnesses and filmed on at least six videos.firsthandSourced, unconfirmedwitnesses and videographers
Military illumination flares, citing a Luftwaffe press officer, a Swedish Embassy letter (8 Nov 1994) and a BWB letter (14 Nov 1994). Natural cause proposed, not demonstrated; a Czechoslovak exercise has also been suggested.analysisSourced, unconfirmedCENAP
Where
Greifswald, Baltic coast, Germany
54.1°N 13.4°E