However, history reveals that the term “saucer” was actually used much earlier in connection with a UFO sighting. A full 69 years before Arnold's encounter, a Texan farmer named John Martin used the word "saucer" to describe an unidentified flying object he saw on January 2, 1878, while on a hunting expedition near Denison, Texas.
Interestingly, just like in Arnold's case, "saucer" did not refer to the object's shape, but rather its size. Martin described the object as resembling a balloon in shape but noted that it grew from the apparent size of an orange to that of a large saucer as it approached.
The 1878 Denison UFO Report
Martin’s sighting was published in the Denison Daily News on January 25, 1878, under the title "A Strange Phenomenon." According to the article:
The object was dark, not luminous or metallic.
It moved at a remarkable speed and appeared to grow in size as it approached.
At its closest, it was directly overhead and about the size of a large saucer.
Martin speculated it could be a balloon but was uncertain due to its rapid movement.
Unlike many UFO sightings that involve lights or reflective objects, this was a solid, dark object against the sky. Some scientists suggest this makes it more likely that he saw an actual physical craft rather than a misidentified celestial phenomenon.
What Does This Mean for UFO History?
Old reports like these often lack precise details, and without being able to interview the witness, much remains unknown. However, cases like John Martin’s show that UFO encounters have been reported long before the modern UFO era and sometimes defy easy explanations.
Could there be even older reports out there using the term “saucer” in some way? Maybe buried in historical archives, waiting to be rediscovered?
What do you think? Could Martin’s sighting have been an early encounter with something truly unexplained? Share your thoughts below!
Source: Ufocasebook.com