US Skydivers Light Up Arizona Night, Sparking Frenzy Among Residents Who Mistook It As Alien Invasion

Some residents of the US state of Arizona were rattled by a strange sight in the night sky, initially mistaking it for a meteorite. Some people even rang the state police force, after they mistook the spectacle for alien invasion.

However, their fears were allayed when it was revealed to be a world record attempt by a daring group of 46 skydivers performing the Pyrotechnic form of skydiving. Those who perform this particular form of skydiving are experienced daredevils who execute aerial stunts and displays using fireworks or pyrotechnic devices.

Falling from heights of 16,000 feet, these skydivers reached speeds of nearly 322 kilometers per hour, showcasing an elaborate heads-down formation adorned with remote-activated fireworks strapped to their feet. “Your senses are dimmed because of the darkness and all you’re seeing is the lights and the pyrotechnics so when you get out and you’re flying your body to the formation, you’re literally diving into fire,” said skydiver Sara Curtis.

This spectacle, organised by the US-based group Max Pyro 2.0, sparked a frenzy on social media platforms. Comments poured in, with one Instagram user marveling, “Just freaking awesome! So much better than watching fireworks! There’s a thought for NY’s 2025.”

Another echoed the sentiment, envisioning the bewilderment of onlookers, “This is all kinds of awesome! I’m imagining someone looking up and seeing this, clueless about what’s going on.” The skydivers themselves clarified the situation to Inside Edition, humorously asserting, “We are not aliens.”

US media reported that the team shattered the “vertical Night Record.” Comprising nearly four dozen skydivers and four videographers from various countries, including a significant representation of women and seasoned divers, the event marked a triumph in the world of extreme sports.

Reflecting on the feat, skydiver Konstantin Petrijcuk stressed the challenges involved, stating, “You have multiple airplanes, you have less vision, which is nighttime, you have additional equipment, and then you have equipment that burns, so you have the pyro itself, so all these complexities.”