Heres the story... http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Battle_of_Los_Angeles Heres the pictures...(from http://brumac.8k.com/BATTLEOFLA/BOLA1.html) Please Register or Log in to view the hidden image! Please Register or Log in to view the hidden image! Please Register or Log in to view the hidden image! Interesting, that shape looks familiar...
It was most likely a separate government entity testing out a propulsion system which appeared alien, so anyone not "in the know" attacked the ship(s).