The Atlas Obscura Podcast · Thursday, August 13, 2026
On September 12, 1952, in Flatwoods, West Virginia, two brothers and their friends reported seeing a bright red flash streak across the sky, which they investigated. Upon reaching the hillside, they described a pulsating red light and a tall, humanoid creature with a glowing red face, metallic clothing, and a spade-shaped head.
“So on September 12th, 1952, a mysterious creature was spotted in Flatwoods, West Virginia.”
“And after the light, they all swear that they saw a about 10 foot tall humanoid creature with a red face that appeared to glow.”
“It was dressed in some kind of long, metallic dress or robe and that it had a head or a headpiece that was shaped like a spade.”