Yes, That 'UFO' Flying in Illinois Was a Golden 3 Balloon

Were you out and about Tuesday night... or looking out your window thinking you saw a UFO? It was identified.

One of my favorite activities is people watching. I'm sure it started when I was a kid, but when I waited tables at 22, I would stand and stare at the restaurant's first floor from above and make up stories about everyone there.

I do it at airports too, it's one of the most creative things I do by myself actually. And I do it when I'm looking out windows, which is probably the best way to do all of this 'watching,' because the people are too far away to see me.

Which is how I came across this Unidentified Flying Object.

I was looking out the window and I saw a family taking portraits on a roof downtown and I thought, wow, that is quite a set up! With those white umbrellas for professional photos and a lot of camera flashes when all of the sudden I saw something in the sky.

What was that?

TSM

Then I realized it.

It was a balloon. A golden 3. From the little girl in the family photos.

I sure hope that the balloon release was part of the photo shoot and it was supposed to fly across downtown Rockford on a Tuesday night.

Did you see it?

Ummm, can anyone explain why these toys are tethered to an abandoned motel south of Rockford???

LOOK: The states with the most UFO sightings

For each state, we’ve also included details of famous UFO sightings in that state. Of note is that almost three-quarters of all UFO sighting reports in the United States occur between 4 p.m. and midnight, and tend to peak between 9 and 10 p.m. Food for thought next time you're out scoping for alien life. Keep reading to see which states have had the most UFO sightings.