Other over Moriarty area, NM

The report, as filed

Appx. 6:30 pm tonite an gigantic half circle of very bright light (similar to a theater spotlight) formed either on or somewhat behind the ridge of the Sandia mountains. This is viewing from Moriarty, NM facing west. Started as a very bright glow across the ridge of the mountain with the base spreading across the mountain top while the half circle expanded steadilt to a huge size. Size would be similar to a large storm cloud. Around 15 min. into the event the intensity of the light began to fade, and the half circle of light itself shrank until gone. Total time of event was appx. 20 minutes total. It was definitely NOT a cloud formation. I would think it would take hundreds of very large spot lights or even a single monster sized and ridiculously high powered to create this if it were able to be done at all. It was really really strange. I will update if I get further info on what this was. Sighting of missile launch?? PD

Held as-reported from National UFO Reporting Center (record NUFORC #138146). Witness text is preserved verbatim, including its spelling; nothing is edited beyond formatting.