Netflix’s ‘Encounters’ takes on UFO sightings in Texas

In the first episode of Encounters, a new four-part Netflix docuseries, residents of the small Central Texas town and surrounding areas share some of their personal stories about witnessing a series of mysterious lights no one could explain.

According to the docuseries, more than 200 people reported seeing these lights in early 2008. Researchers call the event the most significant civilian sighting of the last 30 years.

Allen’s story begins with him spending a relaxing evening outside in front of a campfire with a couple of friends. That’s when he saw “high-intensity lights” speeding towards them.

“The lights were so bright, it was unlike anything I’d ever seen,” Allen said. “It was almost blinding to look at them. When it came past us, I developed the most peaceful, easy feeling I think I’ve ever had in my life. It was almost like a religious experience.”

Once the lights disappeared, Allen said he saw two fighter jets flash across the sky in hot pursuit. “In my head, I’m wondering, ‘Is it War of the Worlds, or what was going on?’”

After Allen told his story to the local newspaper, other residents started to come forward with their own accounts. One of those residents was Lee Roy Gaitan, a constable in Erath County. Gaitan claims he and his young son saw lights near Dublin, Texas, which flashed above them before speeding off. Gaitan, too, said he heard jets flying overhead after the lights vanished.

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Nanotechnology engineer Robert Powell traveled to Stephenville to investigate the sightings. At the time, Powell was the director of research for the Mutual UFO Network (MUFON). “I was monitoring reports as they came in, and I suddenly saw over 20 reports in one geographic area – Stephenville and Dublin,” Powell said. “And I knew then that something unusual had happened.”

Encounters is currently streaming on Netflix.