It has been reported around the world, the Phoenix North Valley was the scene of unexplainable night lights — again. Many thought it could be a return of the aliens thought to love visiting here. (It is a great place to vacation. Many think Phoenix is out of this world!)

As usual, authorities from NORAD (located deep inside Cheyenne Mountain, Colorado Springs, my ol’ stoppin’ grounds for 39 years), local police, air, and military officials all confirmed no activity in that area.

Well, as it turns out, apparently a man has come forward and claimed responsibility. He attached road flares to helium balloons using fishing line and said a passing jet’s turbulence caused the balloons to move around.

Here’s the kicker, in my opinion. Authorities are considering charging him with — are you ready for this —- disorderly conduct! In my best Scotot impression (a misinformed and rotten trivia player), “C’moooooooooon!”

Some thought that this hoax could have cause panic. I don’t think so. The world needs to smile more and laugh. Does anyone remember the Orson Welles’ 1938 prank that actually did cause panic that Halloween eve? Breaking into regular programming, listeners thought this War of the Worlds had aliens from Mars torching New Jersey.

I know people who would have loved that.

The mystery lights of Phoenix — how scary. I am thinking of hiking Camelback Mountain again in the evening with a flash light. You can imagine it from there.