[BLANK] reported aerial observation — August 1949

That the investigation and study of reports of unidentified flying objects be reduced in scope. a. That current collection directives relative to unidentified flying objects be revised to provide for the submission of only those reports clearly indicating realistic technical applications. Assuming that this first incident was authentic and the shorter time correct (it evidently being the estimate given by the second observer), there is nothing in the evidence that is contradictory to the notion that the object observed was nothing more than a slow-moving fireball. 2 -- Hamilton Field, California -- 29 July 1947 The objects observed here were almost certainly not astronomical; although their speed, size, and manner of dis- appearance might tend to the aircraft hypothesis. Now, since the plane was moving at 295 mi/i on a course of 300°, it is possible that the ob- served motion of the objects was only apparent (since 180° plus 120° equals 300°), and we can conjecture that a cluster of balloons (cosmic ray apparatus perhaps) was observed, the motion of which was merely a reflection of the motion of the plane. 1947 The object observed here was obviously not astronomical. UNCLASSIFIED --- UNCLASSIFIED Incident #855 - Harmon Field, Newfoundland - 25 July 1947 If proper allowance is made for the reporting of untrained observers, it is possible that the objects observed in this incident were a minor meteor shower. The hypothesis flashes were observed for three minutes." If this means independent flashes, it lends support to the meteoric interpretation. If it means that the same objects flashed intermittently for three minutes, that theory is ruled out. [UNCLASSIFIED stamp at the bottom] UNCLASSIFIED Incident #59 -- beyond Wicker Island -- 12 September 1947 From the evidence at hand, it appears quite likely that the object observed was a Fireball. The reported change to red- dish hue from the previous color of incandescent light, the length of time in sight, and the manner of disappearance all tend support to this hypothesis. Foreign Reports During the summer of 1946, there were reported to have been seen in Sweden a number of mysterious aerial objects. Supporting case details: Reported special objects or artifacts: Binoculars or telescope