PROJECT BLUE BOOK

~
1. DATE· TIME GROUP 2 OCATION
26 Jan_53_27/041.5Z Continuntal Divide; New Mexico
3. SOURCE CONCLUSION
AF Personnel Astro (VENUS) (RADAR/AX)
NUMBER OF OBJECTS
One
5. LENGTH OF OBSE LENGTH OF OBSERVATION TION 11. BRIEF SUMMARY AND ANALYSIS 11. BRIEF SUM ND ANALYSIS
45 Min. Ball shaped, interningling white, red, green, objs ct, traveled Ball shaped, interningling white, red, green, objs ct, traveled
6. TYPE OF OBSERVATION TYPE OF OBSERVATION slowly hovering at time slowly hovering at times at an estimated altitude of l0,oo0- as at an estimated altitude of lo,Ooo-
Ground-Visual Ground-Visual 12,Ooo'. Mamnor of disappearance is simdlar to that of a
Ground-Radar light light going out suddenly. going out suddenly.
7. COURSE and on AC/i radar and on AC/i redar
COMMENTS: COMMNTS: 1. 1. Object was Object was seen seen visually scope. scope.
Not Reported Not Reported 2. Radiosonde Radiosonde weather balloon woather balloon launched at 0300z. 3. at 0300Z. Speed of
8. PHOTOS 8. PHOTOS object on radar 12 to 15 mph. object on radar 12 to 15 moh. 4. Electronics opinion: 4. Electronics opinion:
weather probably caused radar return. 5. Wenther info. from
D Yes Ashevill W.C. needed before final conclusions can be made.
No This has been requested anl not received as of 2 July, l953.
9. PHYSI ENCE
Yos
No
FORM
FTD SEP 63 0-329 (TDE) Previous editions of form may be used.
a

identified blip on the radar
The blip was appearing intermittently, moving slowly westwar irling to a north-
erly heading outbound from reder site, the building
to determine if the object visible, Ha saw the object west-north-waat of the
site, 10-12 milea away moving slowly northward, he bright object appeared oval in
Shape, end apparently changed color from a very bright white t dull, almost blood-
like red. The object seemed to diminish in brightness and beforg it faded from
view. Airman Welch returned to the scope to observe the phenomenon Welch made
several trips outsida to view the object visually during the period of radar obser-
vation. The object was under visual and radar obaervation intermittently for forty
five minutes. Mo other radar station observed a similar sighting. five minutes. No other radar station observed a similar sighting. The object was The object was
visually estimated to be 2,ooo feet above the terrain. The radar estimate was 10-15,
000 Teet above MSu. The elevation the 769th AC&W Sq is approximately 7,500 fest
above HSL.
APPROVED:
12 INCL3
1. USAr Tach Info Shaet (Welch)
2USAJ Tech Info Sheet (Dennia) GLEN D PARRISH
i. Radar Obs Sheet, ADc Form 123 lat Lb., U3A7
1 Radar Plot (May overlay) Director of Intelligence
OISTRIBUTION HY ORIGINATOR TO: Commanding General
Western Air Defense Force
ArTN: Director of Intelligence
Hamilton Air Force Base, California
NOT& THIS DOCUMENT CONTAINS INFORMATION AFFECTING THE NATIONAL DEFENSE OF THE UNITED STATES WITHIN THE MEANING OFT THE ESPIONAGE ACT, SO U. S. C.-
31 AND 32. AS AMENDED. ITS TRANSMISSION OR THE REVELATION OF ITS CONTENTS IN ANY MANNER TO AN UNAUTHORIZED PERSON IS PROHISITED NY LAW.
IT MAY NOT BE REPRODUCED IN WHOLE OR IN PART, BY OTHER THAN UNITED STATES AIR FORCE AGENCIES, EXCEPT SY PERMISSION OF THE DIRECTOR OF
INTELLIGENCE, USAF, CL D
whd
EN
.

(5) m allent.
(6) Weather: lower scattered clouds. Winds from 270° at 30
lmota at 10-30,000 f Inversion exiated at 13,000 feat M: SL with top at
21,000 fset MSL.
(7),(3),(9)and(10) 79, Na afe si To maml ra he snl
Con se tond
Megative.
COMMENTS Afficer: Negative.
GLEN D PARRISH
let Lt., USA7
Dirsctor of igence
1 C
5
NOTE: THIS DOCUMENT CONTAINS INFORMATION AFFECTING THE NATIONAL DEFENSE OF THE U UNITED STATES WITHIN THE MEANING OF THE ESPIONAGE ACT, 5O U. S. C. -
IT MAY NOT BE REPRODUCED IN WHOLE OR IN PART, BY OTHER THAN U UNITED STATES AIR FORCE AGENCIES, EXCEPT BY PERMISSION OF THE DIRECTOR OF
INTELLIGENCE, USAF.
7
SECL 10--66670- OEFICE
.

(5)
(6) Weather: High thin rercast, lower scattered clouds, Winda fron 2702
Imots at 10-30,000 SL, Inversion exiated at with top ab
21,000 fest NSL.
(7) ration. J wt
(3), (9) and (10) All nagative.
Hegative.
COMMENTS ring Officer:
balloor
Frow the information given by the observers the object moved west then north
for some time then Southeast. If the winds given correct this would mean the
object moved against the wind, which is ooposite the direction a free balloon vould
The balloon could not undar nornal circunstances be seen as a large
1!
BOTE: THIS DOCUMENT CONTAINS INFORMATION AFFECTING THE NATIONAL DEFENSE OF THE UNITED STATES WITHIN THE MEANING OF THE ESPIONAGE ACT, SO U S. C. -
I AND 2. AS AMENDED. ITS TRANSMISSION OR THE REVELATION OF ITS CONTENTS IN ANY MANNER TO AN UNAUTHORIZED PERSON IS PROHIBITED BY LAW.
NOT BE REPRODUCED IN WHOLE OR IN PART, BY OTHER THAN UNITED STATES AIR FORCE AGENCIES, EXCEPT BY PER MISSION OF THE DIRECTOR OF
IGENCE, USAF. UNCLA 2
16-5570-1 *29.3. CovinSute7 *iNTINe Oics
.

UNCLASSIFIED
AF FORM 112—PART II SECHEF1
APPROVED 1 JUNE 1948 (CLASSIFICATION)
AIR INTELLIGENCE INFORMATION REPORT
FROM (Agency) REPORT NO.
34th Air Division (Defense) IR-1-53W PAGE 4 OF 14 PAGES
COMMENTS of Approving Officer: (continued)
bright object, fron a distance of nine miles. Balloons of the type mentioned here
are normally not detected by ACow redar.
There is
SSSP?
CLEN D PARRISH
lst Lt., USAP
Director of Intelligence
.
. .
.
12
-5
2.5 6
T CONTAINS INFORMATION AFFECTING THE NATIONAL DEFENSE OF THE UNITED STATES WITHIN THE MEANING OF THE ESPIONAGE ACT, SO U S, C.--
4ENDED. ITS TRANSMISSION OR THE REVELATION OF ITS CONTENTS IN ANY MANNER TO AN UNAUTHORIZED PERSON IS PROHIBITED BY LAW.
ir REPRODUCED IN WHOLE OR IN PART, BY OTHER THAN UNITED STATES AIR FORCE AGENCIES, EXCEPT BY PERMISSION OF THE DIRECTOR OF
ISAF.
UNCLAS
16-56870-1 *
.

information as possi concerning the unidentified aeria! phenomenon that you have observed.
be used for research purposes, and will regarded as confidential material. Your name will not
be used in connection with any statements, conclusions, or publications without your permission.
We request this personal information so that, if it is deemed necessary, w may contact you for
further details.
.When did you see the object? 2.Time of day: 21 15
Hour Minutes
26 Jamary 1953
Day Month Year (Circle One): A.M. or P.M.
3. Time zone:
(Circle One): a. Eastern (Circle One): a. Daylight Saving
b. Central (6.) Standard
C Mountain
d. Pacific
e. Other
4. Where were you when you saw the object?
Continentel Divids Continental_Divide New Nexico
Nearest Postal Address City or Town State or Country
Additional remarks: I was standing in back of the operatlona building. 769th Acaw Sq.
Continental Divide, New Nexico..
5.Estimate how long you saw the object. 45
Hours Minutes Seconds
5.1 Circle one of the following to indicate how certain you are of your answer to Question 5.
a,) Certain Not very sure
b. Fairly certain d. Just a guess
6. What was the conditicn of the sky?
(Circle One): a. Bright daylight d. Just a trace of daylight
b. Dull daylight No trace of daylight
c. Bright twilight f. Don't remember
IF you saw the object during TWILIGHT, or located as you looked at
the object?
(Circle One): a. In front of you d. To your left
b. In back of you e. Overhead
c.To your right f. Don't remember
IEIED
j
13 153-2506

UNCLASSIFIED Page 2
IF you saw the object at NIGHT, TWILIGHT, or DAWN, what did you notice concerning the STARS and MOON?
8.1 STARS (Circle One): 8.2 MOON (Circle One):
None a. Bright moonlight
b. A few Dull moonlight
c. Many c. No moonlight — pitch dark
Don't remember d. Don't remember
9. Was the object brighter than the background of the sky?
(Circle One): Yes b. No c. Don't remember
b. Several blocks away?
c. A block away? c. A block away?
Several yards away? Several yards away?
e. Other
Did the object: (Circle One for each question)
a. Appear to stand still at any time? Yes) Yes Don't Know
b. Suddenly speed up and rush away at any time? Yes Yes Don't Know Don't Know
c. Break up into parts or explode? Yes Yes 222 Don't Know
d. Give off smoke? Yes 22 Don't Know
e. Change brightness? Yes) Yes Don't Know
f. Change shape? Yes Don't Know
g. Flicker, throb, or pulsate? Yes No Don't Know
.Did the object move behind something at anytime, particularly a cloud?
(Circle One): Yes No Don't Know. IF you answered
it moved behind: A mountain obscured viaw noinen
Did the object move in front of something at anytime, particularly a cloud?
(Circle One): Yes No Don't Know. IF you answered YES, than tell what
it moved in front of: in front of clouds at all time.
.Did the object appear: (Circle One): Solid? b. Transparent? c. Don't Know.
. Did you observe the object through any of the following?
a. Eyeglasses e. Binoculars Yes
b. Sun glasses Yes Q092 f. Telescope
c. Windshield Yes 2. Theodolite
d. Window glass Yes (h Other Maked eye only.
AoSrED
14

-
Page 3
1.Tell in a few words the following things about the object.
red,
17.
of the object that you saw such as wings, protrusions, etc., and especially exhaust trails or vapor trails. Place
an arrow beside the drawing to show te direction the obect was moving.
1
The edges of the object were: 18. The edges of the object were:
(Circle One):a. (Circle One): a. Fuzzy or blurred e. Other e. Other
b. Like a bright star
c. Sharply outlined
d. Don't remember
IF there was MORE THAN ONE object, then how many were there?
Draw a picture of how they were arranged, and put an arrow to show the direction that they were travel ing.
UNCLAS

of the path, a "B* at the end of the path, and show any changes in direction during the course.
7B
A.
IF PossiBLE, try to guess or estimate what the real size of the object was in its longest dimension.
feet.
22. How large did the object or objects appear as compared with one following objects held in the hand
and at about arm's length?
(Circle One): a. Head of a pin g. Silver dollar
b. Pea h. Baseball
c. Dime i. Grapefruit
d. Nickel i. Basketball
e. Quarter Other unknown
f. Half dollar
22.1 (Circle One following to indicate how certain you cre of your answer to Question 22.
a. Certain c. Not very sure
Fairly certain d. Uncertain
3. How did the object or objects disappear from view? Cn first sighting it droyyed behind hills,
from view.
construct the object that you saw. Of what type material would you make it? How large would it be, and what shape
would it have? Describe in your own words a common object or objects wh when placed up in the sky would give the
you saw.
a slow noving star like ooject wonld give the same effoct.
UNCLASSIFIED

following questions: S
a.North c. East e. South g. West
.Northeast d. Southeast f. Southwest h. Northwest
28.2 How fast were you moving? miles per hour.
(Circle One) Yes No
What direction were you object? (Circle One) object? (Circle One)
a.North c. East e. South g. West
b. Northeast d. Southeast A Southwest h. Northwest
30. What direction were you oking when you last saw the object? (Circle One)
a. North c. East e. South 9 West
b. Northeast d. Southeast f. Southwest h. Northwest
If you are familiar with bearing terms (angular direction), try to estimate the number of degrees the object was
from true North and also the number of degrees it was upward from the horizon (elevation).
31.1 When it first appeared:
.From true North 270 degrees.
b. From horizon degrees.
31.2 When it disappeared:
.From true North 279 degrees.
From horizon degrees. LACSIFIED

hOONIED Page 6
high the object was above the horizon (skyline) when you first saw it. Place a "B" on the same curved line to
show how high the object was above the horizon (skyline) when you last saw it.
L
In the following larger sketch place an "A" at the position the object was when you first saw it, and a "B" at its
position when you last saw it. Refer to smaller sketch as an example of how to complete the larger sketch.
B
il IlI
3
UNCLASSIFIED )

FILE NO. SUBJECT
(Unel) Radar Sighting of Unidentified Aerial Object
TO ATIAE-2 FROM ATIAE-5 DATE 17 Mar COMMENT NO. 1
Attn: Mr. James
Lt Olsson/vs
65365/B 263/P A-30
I. Inclosed is a sighting of an unidentified aerial object
Divide, New Mexico, 26 Jan 53. ATIAE-5 has come up with solu We would
apprec the assistance of your office.
2. Inclosed maps.
1. Inel EDWARD J. RUPPELT, Capt, USAF
File dtd 1/26/53 Chief, Aerial Phenomena Section
Electronics Branch
It fnclosws..../ I' fnclogya...
rot atlached), (he drawn (or wn (or
respondance wli be dow respondance wli be dow
aecordanee with paragraph 2515, AFR205-1. aecordanes with paragraph 255, AFR205-1.
INCIDENT NO. 6-On the night of January 26, 1953, a group Cureri
of Air Force people stationed at a radar site in New
Mexico observed a "very bright, reddish white" object west of
their station and then picked it up on their radar. The object AUTICLE Teut MAAil
was in view for 45 minutes both visually and by radar and once
moved behind a hill and then reappeared. Radar showed it
9 miles from the station, travcling north at a lazy 12 to 15
knots, at 10,0o0 to 15.0oo fcct. Although a balloon was in the
vicinity, the UrO traveled steadily almost directly into the wind.
DOWNGRADED
DECLASSIFIED
DOD DOB NE06.10
7-3719-
2
UNCLASSIFIED
T53-3263
DDF 96 REPLACES NME FORM %. I OCT 4, WHICH MAY BE 16--54801-3 U. S. GOVEHNMENT PRINTING OFFICE:1952 O-986875 2

Page 7
34. What were the weather conditions at the time you saw the object?
34.1 CLOUDS (Circle One) 34.2 WIND (Circle One)
a, Clear sky a. No wind
b. Hazy (b.) Slight breeze
c Scattered clouds c. Strong wind
d. Thick or heavy clouds d.Don't remember
e. Don't remember
34.3 WEATHER 34.4 TEMPERATURE (Circle One)
Dry a. Cold
b. Fog, mist, or light rain (6. Cool
c. Moderate or heavy rain c. Warm
d. Snow d. Hot
e. Don't remember Don't remember
.When did you report to some official that you had seen the object?
26 Jamary 1953
Day Month Year
36. V Was anyone else with you at the time you saw the object?
(Circle One) Yes No
36.1 IF you answered YES, did they see the object too?
(Circle One) Yes No
36.2 Please list their names and addresses:
Continental Divida, New Mexico
(Circle One) Yes No
37.1 IF you answered NO, then when, where, and under what circumstances did you see other ones?
Under almost the same conditions.
38. In your opinion what do you think the object was and what might have caused it?
I do not know.

Page 8
UNCLASSHED
Do you think you can estimate the speed of the object?
(Circle One) Yes No)
IF you answered YES, ,then what speed would you estimate? m.p.h.
(Circle One) Yes No
you say it was? 9miloa feet
NAME Last Name First Name Middle Name
ADDRESS Continantal Divida Mew Mexico
City Zone State
TELEPHONE NUMBER
Radar Operator
Age 23 Sex Nale Sex. Male
Please indicate any special educational training that you have had.
a. Grade school 8 yaa.rs a. Grade school 8 years e.e. 7 e. e. 7 Technical school
.High school _ .High school 4 years 2. years (Type)_ (Type)
c. College c. College f. Other special training  and years 0 f. Other special training  and years OJ
d. Post graduate as radar operator.
this questionnaire: 5 February 1953
Day Month Year
A CERTIPIEI THE COPY
GLEN D PARRISH
lst Lt., USAP
A0 2067339 UNCLASSIFIED
20

be used in connection with any statements, conclusions, or publications without your permission.
We request this personal information so that, if it is deemed necessary may contact you for
further details.
1. When did you see the object? 2.Time of day: 21 15
Hour Minutes
25 Jamuary 1953
Day Month Year (Circle One): A.M. or P.M.
3. Time zone:
(Circle One): a. Eastern a. Daylight Saving
b. Central b. Standard
© Mountain T
d. Pacific
e. Other
4. Where were you when you saw the object?
Coniinental Divide Contineatal Divide How Hexieo
Nearest Postal Address City or Town State or Country
Additional remarks: -
65
5.1 your answer to Question 5.
a. Certain .Not very sura
(6.) Fairly certain d. Just a guess
6. What was the condition of the sky?
(Circle One): a. Bright daylight d. Just a trace of daylight
b. Dull daylight c No trace of daylight
c. Bright twilight f. Don't remember
.IF you saw the object during DAY located as you looked at
the object?
(Circle One): a. In front of you d. To your left
b. In back of you e. Overhead
c. To your right f. Don't remember. UNCLASSIFIED
153-2556

ASSIFIED Page 2
8.IF you saw the object at NIGHT, TWILIGHT, or DA , what did you notice concerning the STARS and MOON?
8.1 STARS (Circle One): 8.2 MOON (Circle One):
.None a. Bright moonlight
b. A few Dull moonlight
c. Many c.No moonlight — pitch dark
d. Don't remember
Was the object brighter than the background of the sky?
(Circle One): G.Yes b. No c. Don't remember
headlight?:
Several blocks away?
c. A block away?
d. Several yards away?
e. Other .
Did the object: Did the object: (Circle One for each question)
a. Appear to stand still at any time? Yes Yes No Don't Know
b. Suddenly speed up and rush away at any time? Yes No No Don't Know
c. Break up into parts or explode? Yes No No Don't Know
d. Give off smoke? Give off smoke? Yes No Don't Know Don't Know
e. Change brightness? Yes) No Don't Know
f. Change shape? Yes No No Don't Know
g. Flicker, throb, or pulsate? Yes No Don't Know
Did the object move behind something at anytime, particularly a cloud?
(Circle One): Yes No Don't Know. IF you answeredY then tell what
it moved behind:
The objeot dropped behind ona of the hilla.
(Circle One): Yes No Don't Know. IF you answered YES, than tell what
it moved in front of:
Did the object oppear: (Circle One): .Solid? b. Transparent? c. Don't Know.
1.Did you observe the object through any of the following?
a. Eyeglasses Yes No e. Binoculars Yes
b. Sun glasses Yes f. Telescope 22
c. Windshield Yes g. Theodolite 1
d. Window glass Yes (h Other Naked eys only.
UNCLACSIFIED
22

Page 3
16. Tell in a few words the following things about the object. UNCLASSIFIED
a. Sound o aound.
b. Color_ Yary brighs, baing a reddish white than changed to a vary cull white.
17. Draw a picture that will show the shape of the object or objects. Label and include in your sketch any details
of the object that you saw such as wings, protrusions, etc., and especially exhaust trails or vapor trails. Place
an arrow beside the drawing to show the direction the object was moving.
very bright
18. The edges of the object were:
(Circle One): a. Fuzzy or blurred e. Other
b.) b.) Like a bright star
c. c. Sharply outlined
d. Don't remember
1. IF there was MORE THAN ONE object, then how many were there?
Draw a picture of how they were arranged, and put an arrow to show the direction that they were travel ing.
UNCLASSIFIED
T

of the path, a "B* at the end of the path, and show any changes in direction during the course.
3
↑
Dropped behind hill
21. IF to guess or estimate what the real size object was in its longest dimension.
feet.
22. How large did the object or held in the hand
and at about arin's length?
(Circle One): a. Head of a pin g. Silver dollar
b. Pea h. Baseball
c. c. Dime Dime Ci Grapefruit Grapefruit
d. Nickel i. Basketball
e. Quarter k. Other
f. Half dollar Half dollar
22.1 (Circle One of 22.1 (Circle One
Certain c. Not very sure
b.Fairly certain b. Fairly certain d. Uncertain
23. How did the object or objects disappear from view? First dropged behind hill - reappeared, Firgt dropged behind hill - reagpeared,
then faded ous.
24. In order that you can give as clear a picture as possible of what you saw, we would like for you to imagine that you could
construct the object that you saw. Of what type material would you make it? ? How large would it be, and what shape
would it have? Describe in your own words a common object or objects which when placed up in the sky would give the
same appearance as the object which you saw.
Naterial Unknown
UNCLASSIFIED
)
2
24

(c,
d. In an airplane e. Flying over a city?
e. At sea f. Flying over open country?
f. Other _ Other. Nili cary Dase
2.What were you doing at the time you saw the object, and how did you happen to notice it?
Cyarding the back door to Crerations - the objeot waa very brighs and at firat
I thousnt it was a star.
OMOBILE or other vehicle at the time, then complete the following questions:
a.North East e. South g. West
. Northeast d. Southeast f. Southwest h. Northwest
28.2 How fast were you moving? miles per hour.
(Circle One) Yes No
What direction were yo 29. What direction were you you first saw the object? (Circle One)
a. North c. East South g. West
b. Northeast d. Southeast Southwest h. Northwest
30. What direction were you looking when you last saw the e object? (Circle One)
a. North c. East South g. West
b. Northeast d. Southeast Southwest h. Northwest
. If you are familiar with bearing terms (angular direction), try to estimate the number of degrees the object was
from true North and also the number of degrees it was upward from the horizon (elevation).
31.1 When it first appeared:
a.From true North 270 degrees.
b.From horizon .. degrees.
31.2 When it disappeared:
.From true North 279 degrees.
From horizon degrees. UNCLAS

Page 6
high the object was above the horizon (skyline) when you first saw it. Place a "B" on the same curved line to
show how high the object was above the horizon (skyline) when you last saw it.
—
In the following larger sketch place an "A" at the position the object was when you first saw it, and a "B" at its
position when you last saw it. Refer to smaller sketch as an example of how to complete the larger sketch.
B
A
UNCLACSIFIED 1
36

EED Page 7
34. What were the weather conditions at the time you saw the object?
34.1 CLOUDS (Circle One) 34.2 WIND (Circle One)
a. Clear sky a. No wind
b. Hazy (6) Slight breeze
CC Scattered clouds c. Strong wind
d. Thick or heavy clouds Don't remember
e. Don't remember
34.3 WEATHER (Circle One) 34.4 TEMPERATURE (Circle One)
@ Dry a. Cold
b. Fog, mist, or light rain (b. Cool
c. Moderate or heavy rain c. Warm
d. Snow Hot
e. Don't remember e. Don't remember
When did you report to some official that you had seen the object?
26 January 1953
Day Month Year
Was anyone else with you at the time you saw the object?
(Circle One) Yes No
36.1 IF you answered YES, did they see the object too?
(Circle One) Yes No
36.2 Please list their names and addresses:
ow Nexico
7.Was this the first time that you had seen an object or objects like this? W like this?
(Circle One) (Yes) No
38. In your opinion what do you think the object was and what might have caused it?
UNCLACSIFIED

Page 8
Do you think you can estimate the speed of the object? UNCLASS MED
(Circle One) (Yes No
IF you answered YES, then what speed would you estimate? 13-15 m.p.h.
-
(Circle One) Yes No
212 . eet..
NAME Last Name Name Middle Name
ADDRESS Continsatal Divi3e Bow Nexieo
Street City Zone State
TELEPHONE NUMBER
What is your present ?_Crow Chlal in Qyambions
Age 24 Sex Nala
Please indicate any special educational training that you have had.
.Grade school _._ .Grade school 0 yar 0 Fare e. e. Technical school Technical school Radar Sperator Fadar Sperator
b. High school _ t your 1 yur (Type). (Type).
c. College f.Other special training
d. Post graduate
Date you comp oleted this questionnaire: Fobriary 2953
Month - Year
Day
fof dulian G. Dennia
Smf
GLl DPAIA
1e L9., USA? UNCLASSIFIED
40 2007339

equipment. They stated that they had an
unidentified blip on the rader scope appearing west of the station approximately
nine miles away. The scope showed Ithe object to be azimuth at an
altitude of l0-l5,Ooo ft. moving away from the site at 12-l5 mph. It was
eventually lost on radar at the l8 mile range. The object was under visual
and radar observeration intermittently for 45 minutes. The elevation of the
station is 7,50o ft. above sea level.
Weather at the time was characterized by a high thin overcast'and low
scattered clouds. Winds aloft were from 270° at 30 knots at 10-30,000 ft.
An atmospheric inversion layer existed at 18,000 ft. with the top at 21,000 ft.
II. Discussion
This is the most complete report ever received by ATIC on the sighting
of an unidentified object. The intelligence officer of the 3hth Air Division,
ADC, is to be complimented on n his initiative and complete coverage of all the
angles bearing on the observation. Moreover, the combination visual-electronic
sighting is the best of sighting to work with because if affords the most
information.
balloon theory. Also the sighting time of 0415Z is one hour and 15 minutes
after the Winslow release and by that time it is probable nat the radiosonde
had burst at before.
The fact that the ob,ject was detected on radar and seen visually for so
long eliminates th e possibility of an astronomical solution such as a star
or fireball especially if both radar and eye were seeing the sue object.
Since the object was tracked at to 15 mph aircraft are eliminated as a
possibility.
ATIC electronics specialists advanced the theory that the slow speed and large
visual under size of the target make it appear that weather effects 1 may be the
cause of the electrontc pick-up. The inversion layer at 18,000 ft. appears to
UNCLASS SIFIED
4

5. Has interference from another radar set been observed recently, and ar personnel
faniliar with Jhe effects caused by an interfering signal?
are familiar.
What type indic follow the target?
PPI S Scope
Five 5RPM, 400 PRF
frequency of the transmitter?
1290 MC
2. What oerature vs
altitude, humidity vs altitude, and wind velocity vs altitude?
ents? so details.
No
4. Are the operator familiar with the effects of anomalous (duct-
effect) propagat they pertain to . this type radar?
Yes
TED Page l of 3
0 Ftober 152
59 155-2506gA

on the indicators? If this report. - of page l.)
No
the target observed?
C
Time: 2115 MST,(26 Jan 53).
How did the targe in give an convantional
change rapidly?
Consistent size at all time on
6. Was the speed of the target const Explain.
Variable. 12 to 15 MPH.
7. Did the target sharp as compared with a known
aircraft target?
"Fuzzy"
8. What other (aircraft) targets were observed in the same general area titude,
and time as that of the unknown target?
Negative.
ADC Form 123 1 Page 2 of 3
20 October 1952

Indicate
Ranges
In Miles In Miles
2250 225 1350
S
INSTRUCTIONS: PLOT TRACK O RANGE AND
TRACK.
.
ADC Form 123 UNCLAS Page 3 of 3
20 October 1952
30 1Os- 25062A

1. DATE 2LOCATION 3.
^
26 JANUARY 1953 CONTINENTAL DIVIDE, NEW MEXICO AF PERSONNEL
4TIME NUMBER COLOR
Local 26/2115MST
8 27/04153 1
8. COURSE . ALTITUDE 10. ANGULAR VELOCITY I1. PHOTOS
per second Yes
12. TYPE OF 12. TYPE OF 13. LENGTH OF TIME 13. LENGTH OF TIME 14. MANEUVERS VERS
OBSERVATION OBSERVED OBSERVED
ground-visual 45 minutes
ground-radar.
15. CONCLUSIONS 16 OMMENTS MENTS
Ball shaped, intermingling white, red, 1.. 1. Object was seen visually and on
green, object traveled slowly hovering AC/W AC/W I radar I radar scope.
at times at an estimated altitude of at times at an estimated altitude of 2. Radiosonde weat Radiosonde weath balloon launched alloon launched .
10 to 12,000'. Manner of disappearance 10 to 12,000'. Manner of disappearance at 03003.
is similar to that of a light going 3. 3. Speed of object on Speed of object on radar 12 to 15 radar 12 to 15 moh. mph.
out suddenly. 4. 4 Mectronics' opinion: Weather opinion: Weather
probably caused radar return.
5. Weather info from Asheville W.C.
needed before final conclusions can be
made. Requested but not received as
CONCLUSION:U UNKNCWN of 2 Jul 53.
ATYC Form

II. Discu3sion of Incidant
, This is the most completo report
an unidentified object. The intelligen of the 3hth Air Division, ADC,
is to be complimented on his initiative and overing of all the angles
bearing on the observation. Moreover, the combination visual-electronic sighting
is the best type of sighting to work with because it affords ths most information.
The intelligence checked on weather balloon re-
I
ATIC electronics specialists advanced the theory - that the slow speed and
large visual radar size of t the target make it appear be
the cause of the electronic c pick-up. However, the inversion layer at 15,0001
appears to be e too high to effoct the radar which was tracking tho object at l1o
to 15,000'. The weather-effect explanation cannot, of course, account for the
simultaneous visual sighting. There is
. 51 T53-3695
SECK
UNCLAS

bright on the western horizon at this
encountered tha aforementioned weather interference at the same time. This
would require a high degree of coincidence, however, and the radar and visual
sightings seem to coincide too weight to
both were observing different objects.
Two other added completeness of the report. ATIC supplied the
reporting intelligence officer with a USAF Technical Information Sheet, or a
visual questionnaire, and an Elactronics Data Sheat covering the radar pick-up.
Further analysis of this sighting awaits adiabatic weather charts for the dats
and area of sighting and until this information is received, this report is
carried in Project Blue Book's files as an unknown.
III. Conclusion
Unknown
.
.
-
-
T53-3695 52
UNCLASSIFIED

sightings seem to coincide too exactly much theory that
both were observing different objects.
Two other items added to the completeness of this report. ATIC supplied
the reporting intelligence officer with a USAF Technical Information Sheet
or a visual questionnaire and an Electronics Data Sheet. Further analysis
of this sighting awaits adiabatic charts for the date and area of sighting
and until this information is received this report is carried in Project
Blue Book's files as an unknown.
III. Conclusion:
VENus
ANOMALDUS PEOPOGATION pEOpAgATION
6
UNCLASSIFIED
2

suspected as the nature of the target. Additional weather information - temperature
vs height would be of value in dotermining tho possibility of ics-laden clouds.
2. 1 It is unfortunate that an not attomoted
as it was dotected moved slowly.
1 Incl POY L. JAMES
n n/o Chief, Chief, Radiation Section Radiation Section
Electronics Branch Electronics Branch
1953-.a.
3
I
T53-3263

- -
CBCR03M
JUIFRD DE1 (
PP JEPHQ JEDWP JEDEN JUPML 44s
DE JUFRD 995 -
P: 2823397
FM CG 34TH ADD KIRTLAND AFB N MEX
TO JEPHO/DIR OF INTEL, HA USAF WASHINGTON 25, DC (
JEDNP/ATIC, WRIGHT-PATTERSON AFB, OHIO ATTN ATIAA-2C
INFO JEDEN/CG, ENT AFB, COLORADO SPRINGS, COLORADO
JUPML/CG WADF, ATTN: DIR OF INTEL, HAMILTON AFB HAMILTON, CALIF
TN422203/0IN 9735 FLY0BRPT PD
(1) SHAPE CLN BALL PD COLOR CLN INTERMINGLING G WHITE CMA BLOOD RED_CMA
CLN NEG PD TRAIL OR EXHAUST CLN NEG PD PROPULSION SYSTEM CLN UNK
PD SPEED CLN SLOW TO HOVERING PD SOUND CLN NEG PD MANEUVERS CLN
MOVED SPASMODICALLY OVER WIDE AREA PD MANNER OF DISAPPEARANCE CLN
VIS SIGNTING CLN LIKE A LIGNT TRUNED OFF PD OBSERVED AT AN ALT OF .
10,B00 TO 12,900 FT 9 MILES W OF OBSERVATION POINT PD RADAR
OBSERVATION CLN FADED PD S CLN OBJ UAS OBSERVED D OUTSIDE
OD
28/2334Z JAN JWFRD
-DECLASSIFIED AFTER 12 YEARS. DOD DIR 5200.10
-9 y
.

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-
.
1
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:
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83
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UMAGDI

TO: □ BOOK MESSAGE
MULTIPLE ADDRESS CRYPTOPRECAUTION
YES NO
REFERS TO MESSAGE:
IDENTIFICATION CLASSIFICATION
B.
INFO:
FROM: 23 FOR BT O. PARISN
sighting of one unidentirted
aerial object,
- b2s
and time of burst. "
()Inelude winds alort at alco iST. - chiet wes b wid 1
1
In ruply aite
Coordinations DECLASSIFIED AFTER 12 YEARS.
DOD DIR 5200.10 UNCLAS
SECUR. PAGES
DRAFTON's NAME (end signature, toben reguired) RELEASING OFFICER'S SIGNATURE
LT R.M. OLSSON/7S
TELEPHONE OFFICIAL TITLE
59206 AR CEERAL
REPLACES NIME FORM 173, 1 MAY 49 7 15-3423-3
DD 173 WHICH MAY BE USED.

10 TO 1 10 T0 14300 FT EST: ALLY, LLY, 10 4SL EST.
(3) WEATHER BA BA ONS RD 2115 215.
PHOENI PHOENIXS ISLOU CT MEX;
WHITESANDS; WHITESANDS, LAS SO,
TEX. DUE.TO TO BE IN BE IN
VICINITY OF ARIZ PALLOONS
ARE IDED FR PA
BY WA BY WAXE MSL MSI
4) 91 4) WINDS 32 KNS AT 3 IMVERSION IMVERSTON
EXISTED AT 1800D FT MSI. DIR OF MV DIR OF MV OF ORJ
BOTH VISUALLY AND RADAR BOTH VISUALLY AND RADA JAS FR EAST 1 ) VEST. WEST. AGAINST AGAINST THE WIND
MV OF MV OBJRULES Oun BALLOON. LOON
RADAR SET WAS ON LOW RANGE. RADAR SET BLE OF DETECTING
ABOVE 6 MPH. SPEED OF OBJ 12 TO 15 MPH UNC ED
167
8
.