PROJECT BLUE BOOK

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on aerial object phenomena. Since then, no reports have been received
by the Geophysics Research Division. Colonel Cox advised that reports
to this matter. Most of the reports originated from personnel at Los
phenomena.
discussed at Holloman AFB. Lt. John Albert previously associated with
respon-
situation, advised that there have been very few reports of
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a
Site at Corona, New Mexico. (Copies of both reports are attached).
More recently, a pilot reported some aerial objects which, after
investigation, were identified as planets.
4
Whipple in his work photographing g meteors at
observa-
tions but had never observed strange aerial phenomena.
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the files for
their scheduled
periods of operation (about eight hours each day). The weather station
will function similarly. Also, all pilots
where funds will be made available,
for the purchase of equipment.
. Major Doty also arranged .
is in charge of Land-Air operations. Mr. Kott pointed out that a formal
report covering the year's vigilance period had not been issued since
the contract contained no such provision. Actually, a time correlation
study should be made covering the film and verbal recordings at both
Askania stations. This would d assure e that these records did not contain
significant material. However, such a study is quite laborious, and
would require about thirty man days to complete. Again, no provisions
are contained d in the contract this study, but Mr. Kott felt that

r Doty advised that
On 28 August 1951, the subject was discussed informally with
Dr. Lincoln La Paz, who expressed disbelief in all aerial phenomena
recent origin (l947) and peculiar trajectories did not permit, accord- C
m
5. Conclusions
butable to ordinary man-made
balloon observations especially
the reports. The possibility small
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UNCLASSIFIED
emissive clouds issuing from atomic installations also has been proposed.
relative to this problem, indicated that he had observed a tendency for
been mistaken for an aerial object when illuminated by the reflected
weather conditions - specifically cloudiness. A rough analysis of
available weather data, indicated that on the 53 nights (between
were clear, 24 partially cloudy. 5 completely overcast and 14 had no
The
results did not indicate that the phenomena were observed largely at
1
the statistical study, Dr. Whipple suggests
light is correlated with the phenomena. Dr. Whipple's frequency diagram

the pheno-
.
maxima in 1948 perhaps in some way may be a contributing factor.
6. Recommendations
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AFB as indicated by the "stand-by status" of the project. The
arrangements by HAFB for continued vigilance by Land-Air, the
weather station as well as the briefing of pilots on the problem
in part relieves the need for a systematic instrumentation program.
(2) Within the next few months, Dr. Whipple will have completed
the installation of L8-inc Schmidt. cameras
The cameras will be stationed about 20 miles apart in the vicinity
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Summary of Recent Aerial Phenomena Reports from l7th OSI District
11 Nov. 1950 - Reports of a large-sized balloon. It was determined
General Mills. The balloon
subsequently was recovered.
12 Jan. 1951 - Report from ten Los Alamos employees. Tear shaped
object with small tail; very bright appearance;
descended slowly; sky lighted up for about l sec; floce cepped
observation time 05:00. Uscoforal ayt mton pit wl
16 Feb. 195l - Aerial object reported in the vicinity of Holloman AFB.
6 Mar. 195l - Report from four Los Alamos personnel of very bright
by Dr. La Paz to be a detomating fire-ball. No fragments
recovered.
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12 Mar. 1951 - Report from Albuquerque, N.M. by two individuals
appearance.
.
1 April 195l - Report from a Los Alamos employee. Oblong shaped
object moving slowly both in horizontal and vertical
directions.I Bright appearance.
7 June 195l - Report from a Los Alamos employee. Pointed cylinder
in vertical position. Cloth-like construction.
Fell in canyon at ll:lO A.M. Search party was unable
to find the object or any remains.
D Los Alamos emplovee. Large reddish dot,
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CRNTO
SUBJECT: Transmittal of Final Report of Project Twinkle
TO: Director of Research and Development
Headquarters, USAF
ATTN: AFDRD-RE, Colonel John Tucker
Washington 25, D. C.
1. 'Inclosed is a copy of the Final Report on Project
Twinkle, forwarded at your request.
2. As there is interest in this matter outsid 41
Chief, Operations Section
Plans and Operations Branch
Geophysics Research Division
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UNCLASSIFIED 14
Extract of Letter from AFCRL, dated 15 September 1950, Subject: Status
of Project Twinkle
TO: Commanding General
Air Materiel Command
Attn: MCREEP-4 Major J. W. Kodis
Wright-Patterson Air Force Base, Dayton, Ohio
"If no fire balls are observed in the next six month period, it is
recommended that the project be discontinued. In a phenomenon as
sporadic as the fire balls appear to be, it is felt that at least
one year is
is or is not a seasonal phenomenon.
4. There is considerable doubt in the minds of some of the
project personnel that this is a natural phenomenon. As long as a
reasonable doubt exists, it is not wise to discontinue entirely the
observations. Dr. Whipple s suggestion that these may be moon
reflections on small clouds cannot be discounted. That fire balls
have been observed in the past cannot be discounted due to the re-
liability of several witnesses. It may be considered significant that
but it is felt tha ven negative infórmation may be significant.
5. It is requested that a six month extension of the Land Air
contract be negotiated. t is also requested that spectrographic
equipment abandoned by Holloman Air Force Base due to lack of personnel
be turned over to Land Air fc operation in the next six month period.
At the conclusion of the six month extension, an evaluation of the
observations will be accomplished by this Directorate and recommenda-
tions as to the future conduct of this project will be forwarded to
your command."
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Bas Ltr fr Has, AMC, Wright-Patterson Air Force
dtd 9 December 1949, Sub Light Phenomena
2nd Ind.
17 May 1950
TO: Director of Research and Development
ATTN: AFMRS-4
1. Since the date of basic correspondence this Command has been
able to initiate subject project on a limited basis utilizing personnel
and equipment which have become available at Holloman Air Force Base.
For your information the investigation involves the following observa-
tional techniques:
a Optical tracking with Askania photo theodolites in order
to provide trajectory records.
using standard cameras with
suitable diffraction gratings.
c. Radio spectrum analysis through the range from 500 ke to
4000 mc. 4000 mc. This portion of This portion of f the program will be shortly started with the program will be shortly started with the the
Signal Corps provi equipment and personnel.
2. The request of this Command as contained in Paragraph 2 of basic
correspondence is withdrawn. In view of this, prior RDB approval for the
project is not believed necessary. This Command will take action to co-
ordinate the project through normal channels.
3. In order to better evaluate the results of the investigation
outlined in Paragraph very desirable to have the
activities of Kirtland Air Force Base re-initiate
in making field investigations phenomena Such reports
would be important rificati the project work
at Holloman. It is therefore requested tha at action be taken for re-ini-
tiation of the l7th District OSI investigations for the period of this
project.
FOR THE COMMANDING GENERAL:
S, R, BRENTNALL
Major General, USAF
Director,
Research and Development
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Bas Ltr fr Hqs AMC, Wright-Patterson Air Force Base, Dayton, Ohio
dtd 9 December 1949, Sub: Light Phenomena
AFMRS-4 lst Ind
Department of the orce, Hq., D. C. 20 December 1949
TO: Commanding General, Air Materiel Command, Air
Force Bas rton, Ohio
1. This headquarters s concurs in the establishment of a project
within the Air Force Geophysical Research Program in order to further
investigate and secure quantittative data on the "Light Phenomena"
observed in the Southwestern United States.
2. Prior to securing approval of the Research and Development
Board and accomplishing th cessary reprogramming within the Geophysical
Sciences Budget, it will ssary for you to prepare a project plan.
This plan should include problem, method of
accomplishment,: money, facilitie and personnel required to make the
necessary measurements. The funds requirement should be stated by object
classification.
3. When this necessary information has been received from your
command, this headquarters will take s appropriate action to secure
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EPS
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MCGO
SUBJECT: Light Phenomena
TO: Director of Reseach and Development
Headquarters, USAF
Washington 25, D. C.
1. Reference made to:
a. Headquarters USAF (AFMRS-4) letter, dated 14 September
1949, Subject: "Light henomena." (See Inclosure No. 1.)
b. Cambridge Research Laboratories letter, dated 7
November l949, subject: "Report of Conference on "Green Fireballs"
(Project Grudge)." (See Inclosure No. 2.)
2. A report of the conference held at Los Alamos on the
sub,ject of phenomena observed in the New Mexico area is forwarded
and Development Board approval
funds be provided.
FOR DING GENERAL:
/s/ M. B. Lammers
Incl: M. B. LAMMERS
I - See par la abv Technical Assistant
2- See par lb abv Deputy to the Command General
for Operations
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UNCLASSIFIED
AIR FORCE CAMBRIDGE RESEARCH LABORATORIES FCEO/epa
00.92 230 Albany Street
In reply, address Cambridge 39, Mass
Commanding Officer. 7 7 November 1949
Attn: ERH
SUBJECT: Report of Conference on "Green Fireballs"
(Project Grudge)
TO: Commanding General
Air Materiel Command
Wright-Patterson AFB
Dayton, Ohio
ATTN: MCREEO, Major Duncan
1. In accordance instructions contained in classified letter
from Chief of Staff,
14 September: signed attended a conference at Los Alamos
on the subject observed in the northern New Mexico area.
The phenomena as the appearance of a green fireball and because of the
fact that it has been observed only (as far as can be determined) in the
northern New Mexico area and only since the year l947, has caused a high
degreeof.annrehension renorts
first part of pre-
sentation of all collected and organized observational information re-
garding green The presentation was made by Dr. Lincoln LaPaz
(Professor and Department Meteroritics and Mathematics, Uni-
versity of Ne crict OSI, USAF).
Dr. LaPaz has cooperating with SI investigators the matter
at their request and an unpaid basis. Capt. Neef is e principal
OSI agent on the Both Dr. LaPaz and Capt Ne personally
and independently observed the phenomena.
4. The second part of the conference was a discussion by the scien-
tists present various possible explanations and hypotheses concerning
the phenomena. Little success was had.
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next meeting of d 3 November)1949) with the recommendation
that the USAF prc uitable investigation of the phenomena using the
Geophysical Research Di rectorate, Air Force Cambridge Researi Laboratories,
AMC as the e project.
is office that the Geophysical Research
Directorate, AFCRL, i capable performing the required investigation
1I (by photographic a spectroscopic eans) provided that necessary funds,
personnel authorizations and equipment are provided. Inasmuch as the
phenomena appears to be atmospheric in nature, such an assignment is
considered appropriate.
FOR THE OFFICER:
3. Personnel at mtg Base Directorate for
Geophysical Research
cc: Major D. Crowson, Ha USAF
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enclosure 12 Y
eps
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SUBJECT: Light Phenomena
TO: Director of Research and Development
Headquarters USAF
Washington 25, D.C.
.
1. Reference is made to:
a. Headquarters USAF (AFMRS-4) letter, dated 14 September
1949,subject: "Light Phenomena." (See Inclosure No. 1).
b. Cambridge b. Cambridge Research Laboratories letters, dated 7 November
1949, subject: "Report of Conference "Report t of Conference on 'Green Fireballs" (Project on Fireballs' (Project
Grudge)." (See Inclosure No. 2).
2. A report of conference held at Los Almos on the subject
of phenomena observed he New Mexico area is forwarded as inclosure
No. 2. Inasmuch as the phenomena appears to be atmospheric in nature
it is recommended that the investigation continue under the Air Force
Geophysical Research Program. In order to establish such a project it
is requested that Research and Development Board approval be accomplished
and that necessary funds be provided.
FOR THE COMANDING GENERAL:
/ Incl: 1
1 - See par l a abv
2- See par lb abv
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Copr.x basic Let ton
.
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C UNCLASSIFIED
AFMRS-4 0
P
SUBJECT: Light Phenomena Y 14 September 1949
TO: Commanding General
Air Materiel Command
Wright-Patterson AFB
Dayton, Ohio
1. Since the establishment of the special project at Hq AMC, ,
(Project GRUDGE), to .nvestigate
saucers" and unidentified aerial phenomena, many
received through intelligence channels from persons have observed
what they considered to be unusual light phenomena. Foremost in this
category have been those which a
2. Analysis by various s
incidents involving light phenomena were undoubtedly observations of
natural phenomena. Particular attention was given to the "green fire-
ball" variety by Dr. Joseph Kaplan, member of the USAF Scientific
Advisory Board. Dr. Kaplan has concluded that the "green fireballs"
are natural phenomena.
3. Correspondence relative to Dr. Kaplan's conclusions on the
phenomena and correscondence relative to a request from the Second
Armored Division, Camp Hood, Texas, for scientific investigation of
4 The Air Materiel Command has under contract several organi-
zations in the Boston that are specialists observing techniques
and the interpretatior celestialphenomena. It is desired that
these organizations the "green fireball"
phenomena. If necessary, consideration should be given to the establish-
ment of an observational progran signec to obtain additional
information necessary to phenomena.
5. A meeting at Sandia in the New Mexico area is scheduled for
the middle of October to continue discussions 6f the light phenomena.
It is requested th representatives from Air Force Research Laboratories, DOD
Base Directorat Geophysical Research attend.
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evaluation and Sandia meeting as soon as possible. DIR 5200.10
BY COM/AND OF THE CHIEF OF STAFF:
UNCLASSIFIED
3 Incls:
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SECH INFORMATION
CONFIDENTIAL
IED
(UNCLASSIFIED) Project TWINKLE
Directorate of Intelligence
Attention: Colonel John G. Ericksen, Chief 19 Feb 1952
Technical Capabilities Eranch 1
Research Division, Directorate of Research and Lt Col Clayton/ajh/52497
Development, Office, DCS/Development AFDRD-RE
1. Attached is a copy of a letter from Air Research and Development
Command requesting declassification of Project a project which was
carried out by AMC and ARDC for investigation of nusual light phenomena in
the general area of Holloman Air Force Base and hn, New Mexico.
2. The Scientific Advisory Board Secretariat has suggested that this
project not be declassified for a variety of reasons, chief among which is
that no scientifie explanation for any of the "fireballs" and other phenomena
was revealed by the report and that some reputable scientists still believe
that the observed phenomena are man-made.
3. In view of the great interest of the Directorate of Intelligence
in such phenomena and the related manifestations, evaluation of the final
Lt Colonel, USAF
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UNCLAS IFIED

very fack of pattern! Like the artificial meteors" to the egeit at this country? Said La Paz, "It is for this reason
moon, they may be relatively harmless missiles sent to that eince 1948, representatives o the Institute of
test the earth's anatomy of air. Such testing wouk! Met oritics have habitually asked observers of the yellow-
logically. account ior the fireballs' patternless or random green fireballs and other enomalous luminous phetorens
behnvior. Yet, other theorists aver the firebally are par- whether or not piecem of ice or crops of water were de-
tiak to certain geographical areas such as the U.S. zected fnlling froin the skcy at the time of the observed
Southwest, which doss evince pattero. While this pet- incident."T
tern may have been true in the Southwest in 1o4g-49, But, whether the missile ade of ice or of a
fireballe since that period beve been sporadically universal cupreous content, stch action cloes not, we repeat, mean
and without knowledgeable psttern. Eut, being so "interplanetory war" but it mey be the reason for the
widespread today may, in turn, lend remson to the fire USAP being activoly concerned. If such are the facta,
balls' mystericus localization over New Mexico in 1948.
49. Perhaps then the focal point was Alamogordo, and
their purpose was to test and/or cleanse the atincsphere
of its radioactive poisons; but today, with bigger atonic
blasts and the widespread contsrainations of the fall out,
tha "mission" of the fireball may have become expansively tiren it is also understandable why the Air Farce bas
urgent! However, we have one contradietory note in this repeatedly denied the exiatence of tevscers, for to &nnounce
possible micsion of mercy--it doas explain the Sire- they exist and are interplanetary might well force their
ball visitations over the Baltie Area in l946-47. hand into revealing other more unpulatable information
Stin guewing. but coming closer to reafistic evidence, such as thrt under wraps of Projeot Twinkia, or, bike in
we may also perceive in the fireball's persistent coodon cnte 128 or 329 or the air dineuter of July 1.2, 1953 off

REQUIREMENT
Preparation of R&k #2 to AFDRD from Directorate of
Intelligence.
PROPOSED APPROACH
y
Routine
20 min - Miss Bryan
.
.
DATE FORWARDED APPROVED BY
AFHQ FORM 0-553 PREVIOUS EDITIONS OF THIS
28 JUN 51 FORM ARE OBSOLETE. N
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B
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STATUS REPORTS
AND
SPECIAL REPORTS eM

t UNCLASSIFIED
a StOKE J
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UNCLASSIFIED
SECRET 7
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L. ELTERMAN SMC
27 November 1951
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and their explanation.
The gist of the findings is essentially negative. The period
of observations covers a lit over a year Some unusual pheno-
period, most o
etc. Otherseon. be attributed to natural phenomena such as sig
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ference at Los Alamos, 14 October 1949 on the subject of "Green Fireballs"
the scientists present at this meeting that the information available
was not sufficiently quantitative.
Dr.In IePorof the Department of Meteoritics of Uniy. of New
ithat due to diffi-
culties with academic arrangements, he was unable to undertake ethis
study.
During February 1950, the frequent reports of unexplained aerial
phenomena in the vicinity of Holloman Air Force Base and Vaughn, New
Mexico prompted the Commanding Officer Holloman Air Force Base to
initiate a program to gather factual 1 data.
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Observations with theodolight, telescope and camera were undertaken
On 5 March 1950 a conference was held at Wright-Patterson Air
Light Phenomena".
a. Askania instrument triangulation by Land-Air Inc.
b. Observations with Mitchell
ial
grating by Holloman Air Force Base personnel.
the instrumentation at Vaughn.
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Air Force Base by several individuals; however, neither Land-Air
2
after a V-2 launching. Although
AFB for Major Gover, Commander 93rd Fighter Squadron at Kirtland
- .
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utilized due to the fact that the frequency of -
- transfer of funds to the
Signal Corps which would be required to carry out such a monitoring
south of Vaughn, N. Mexico during the latter part of August 1950 was
tht
3. Contractual Period - 1 October 1950 to 31 March 1951
of Vaughn and the resumption of activity near HAFB, the Askania a cameras
were made by Lt. Albert of HAFB that Northrup Aircraft pilots engaged
in frequent flying of B-45 and QF-80 aircraft in the eHolloman vicinity
would report all observations of aerial phenomena.
Askania sta-
tions. In summary, the e results during this period were negative.