Foo fighter
The term foo fighters was used by Allied aircraft pilots during World War II to describe various unidentified flying objects or mysterious aerial phenomena seen in the skies over both the European and Pacific theaters of operations. Foo fighters were typically described as glowing orbs or balls of light that varied in color, often appearing as white, red, orange, or green. They were noted for their erratic and unconventional flight patterns. They could move at high speeds, make sudden turns, and seemed to follow or accompany military aircraft. Reports varied on the size of the foo fighters, but they were generally described as small, sometimes compared to basketballs or large beach balls. Pilots often reported them flying very close to their aircraft, yet no damage or hostile actions were observed.
The term "foo fighter" was popularized by pilots from the 415th Night Fighter Squadron, who reported numerous sightings over Germany and other parts of Europe. They described the lights as being very bright and sometimes performing aerial maneuvers that defied conventional explanations. Similar sightings were reported by pilots in the Pacific, adding to the mystery and leading to speculation about their origin.
Even though the New York Times as well as other sources printed that the Foo Fighter sightings were top secret Nazi advanced aircraft, high-ranking Luftwaffe officers were questioned about wartime "Balls of Fire" reports by staff from United States Air Force in Europe's intelligence section in the early autumn of 1945. None of the thirteen interviewed claimed any knowledge of a German secret weapons program that could have explained the sightings.
After the war, investigations by the military and intelligence agencies found no conclusive evidence to explain the foo fighters. They were classified as unidentified aerial phenomena. The term "foo fighter" entered popular culture and has been referenced in various books, documentaries, and even music as there is a band that uses the name Foo Fighters.
Relates to: UFO, UAP, Unidentified Anomalous Phenomena, unidentified aerial phenomena, unidentified flying object