When Curiosity Brings Us Together

Saturday evening (July 25) at Lake Pueblo wasn't about proving anything. Our colleagues Sandi Hughes and Jen VanOster gave a presentation and demonstration of a CE5 (close encounters of the fifth kind) event.

The night was about slowing down, looking up, and asking questions.

Some came because they're interested in UFOs, now known as UAPs, or unidentified aerial phenomena. Others came to learn more about the history of the reservoir. Some wanted to experience a CE5 event for the first time. A few simply wanted to spend an evening under one of Colorado's most beautiful night skies.

Throughout the evening, conversations unfolded naturally. We talked about history, research, astronomy, perception, and the importance of documenting what we observe, rather than jumping to conclusions. Participants shared experiences, asked thoughtful questions, and reminded each other that curiosity and critical thinking can exist side-by-side.

Since the event, several attendees have shared photographs and videos they captured during the evening. One video taken by Sandi is quite interesting and can be seen here. At approximately 9:45 p.m., several participants observed a bright aerial light. Sandi recorded the object, then reviewed flight-tracking and astronomical applications checked during the event, which didn't identify any obvious known object corresponding to the sighting. At this time, the object remains unidentified. As wth any image taken at night, there may be perfectly ordinary explanations. That's part of the process—and part of the fun. Every photo becomes another opportunity to ask, "What are we seeing?" before asking, "What do we think it is?"

Photo taken by our colleague Kristen, of an unknown greenish orb.

One person who couldn't attend reached out afterward to say he was disappointed to miss the event. He also mentioned he owns a SiOnyx night-vision camera and hopes to bring it next time. Moments like that remind me these gatherings are becoming something larger than a single evening. They're bringing together people with different experiences, equipment, and perspectives, all willing to explore respectfully.

That's exactly what In the Shadows Paranormal hopes to encourage.

History. Mystery. Discovery.

And yes...

There will be a next time.