Mysterious lights in the sky over San Diego turned out to be military flares from a training mission being conducted by U.S. Navy pilots off the coast of Imperial Beach, it was reported Thursday.

The lights were spotted about 8:30 p.m. Wednesday and could be seen as far away as La Mesa, according to CBS8.

A Navy spokeswoman based at Naval Station Coronado confirmed to CBS8 the lights were part of a military training exercise taking place 30 miles off the San Diego coast.

The lights may be seen again Thursday evening when the drills are expected to conclude, the spokeswoman said.

Chris Jennewein is founder and senior editor of Times of San Diego.