It sounds like Los Angeles lost its collective mind* Saturday night, when a sudden bright light in the sky led to cries of "UFO!" The flare, which turned out to be a test missile fired off the SoCal coast, was visible as far north as San Francisco — where photographer Justin Majeczky caught video of the missile during a shoot from the Marin headlands.
According to a statement sent by the Pentagon, the launch was just a test, nothing to see here, move along:
Navy Strategic Systems Programs conducted scheduled Trident II (D5) missile test flight at sea from USS Kentucky, an Ohio Class SSBN, in the Pacific Test Range off the coast of Southern California. The tests were part of a scheduled, ongoing system evaluation test. Launches are conducted on a frequent, recurring basis to ensure the continued reliability of the system. Each test activity provides valuable information about our systems, thus contributing to assurance in our capabilities.The missile was not armed. Strategic Systems Programs does not routinely announce missile testing. Information regarding the test launch of Trident II (D5) missiles is classified before the launch.
Though LA freaked out at the sight, the reaction in SF appears to have been more measured, with many initially assuming the lights came from Edwards Air Force Base, or "from a rocket launch from Vandenberg Air Force Base near Lompoc," the Chron reports.
And if you didn't see it, there is always the video below! According to Majeczky, "By a stroke of dumb luck my friend Abe and myself were on slacker hill shooting timelapse photography of the Golden Gate Bridge. You can see the missile enter the frame from the upper right hand corner. We noticed the object immediately and I stopped my timelapse to record some video. What a crazy evening!"
Previously: Photos: A UFO Didn't Just Fly Over L.A.
Here's What The Government Says You Saw In The Sky Last Night
*assuming it has one! Ha ha just kidding love you LA.