UFO in Renaissance Germany? Mysterious Aerial Phenomenon of 1562

A terrible miraculous sign that was seen in the sky over Leipzig on March 13th of this year 1562 by many notable people

The contemporary depiction of the event

At midnight, a round circle or shining ring of light appeared in the sky, within which everything was arranged as noted above.

In the middle of the circle, white streaks originated and spread out in all directions, each indicated by a number.

Toward the south, a strange yellow object resembling a seed was visible, with four stars positioned nearby. To the east, two red flames could be seen, and to the west, the moon, stars, and several shapes in the form of letters - such as the letter H - were visible, as shown in the picture.

This spectacle remained in the sky until two o'clock after midnight, and then disappeared completely.

Translated from the original medieval German and Latin by Matus Taratuta ©

The Historical Context Surrounding the Alleged UFO Sighting

Leipzig in the 16th century was a major trade hub in central Europe. Known for its important trade fairs, which attracted merchants from across the continent. The fairs were held twice a year and featured a wide variety of products, including textiles, spices, and metals.

Part of the Electorate of Saxony, Leipzig played a key role in the Protestant Reformation, with its university and printing press spreading Lutheran ideas. The city was also an educational hub with Leipzig University. 

Our Evaluation of the Alleged UFO Sighting

The reported sighting is notably detailed, which lends it a degree of credibility. The witness descriptions are specific enough to indicate a genuine observation rather than an imagined event.

However, it is important to consider that such observations can sometimes be misinterpreted. In particular, the presence of polar lights (aurora borealis) during March—a time when these natural light displays are commonly visible in Europe—raises the possibility that the sighting could be attributed to such atmospheric events. Polar lights are known for their often striking visual effects.

What makes this report particularly intriguing, though, is the mention of distinct and concrete shapes within the sighting, specifically an object described as resembling the letter “H or a seed.” This detail is unusual and less typical of auroral displays, which tend to be more flowing in appearance.

Whether something mysterious or easily explainable, I consider this historical report an interesting contribution to the study of unexplained atmospheric phenomena.

Reference:

Glaser, Hans Wolf: Ein schröcklich Wunderzeychen/ so den XIII. tag Martij dises M.D.LXII. Jars/ zu Leyptzig am Himel/ von vilen Namhafften Personen ist gesehen worden. Nürenberg : Bey Hans Wolff Glaser, [1562]. Zentralbibliothek Zürich, PAS II 3/4, https://doi.org/10.7891/e-manuscripta-91960