Summary
Pilot Kenneth Arnold reported nine fast-moving objects near Mt. Rainier; his description coined the term "flying saucer" and triggered the first nationwide sighting wave.
Detail
On June 24, 1947, businessman and pilot Kenneth Arnold reported seeing nine bright objects flying in formation at very high speed near Mt. Rainier, Washington. He described their motion as "like saucers skipping across water," from which the press coined "flying saucer." Widely reported nationwide, the sighting triggered the first major wave of modern UFO reports and prompted the U.S. Air Force to launch Project Sign to investigate.
