Source: Arizona Republican, March 10, 1909. Section 2, Page 2.
Light in Sky Puzzles Oldest Inhabitants
Remarkable Phenomenon Observed Last Night Northeast of Phoenix
Much comment and many varied theories were evoked last night by the appearance in the sky to the northeast of Phoenix of a particular light about the size of a ten cent piece held at arms length. The light swayed to and fro and then remained stationary. It was too high in the heavens to be the light from a fire on Camelback or one of the other peaks. The light was first seen at 14 minutes of eight and blazed up for about six minutes.
The oldest inhabitants were called out to give their theories of the strange light in the sky. The comet theory was cast aside after an examination of Hostetter’s almanac. One of the oldest inhabitants gave his opinion that the ball of fire held suspended between heaven and earth was a meteor or an asteroid that had become entangled, as it were, in the earth’s atmosphere, very much the same as a fly becomes enmeshed in the strands of a cobweb.
The Star of Bethlehem theory had its supporters, but others argued that Bethlehem was not in that direction and that the star, when it appeared, would not be seen perching on the top of Camelback.
Others of the younger generation were of the opinion that it was the lantern of some marooned aeronaut who had anchored his sky boat to a cactus on account of the high wind.
The attention of the police was called to the phenomenon and the entire force climbed to the top of the city hall. The light was plainly visible but none of the learned ones could explain satisfactorily its presence.
It was not visible from the Sam Webb ranch.
