Report on Light Phenomena — Helsinki, June 1946

This report, dated June 11, 1946, from the Military Attaché in Helsinki, S. Tilly, details a light phenomenon observed over Finland on June 9, 1946. The report notes that the event caused considerable public interest and was widely covered in the press. The military attaché did not witness the event personally, but relayed the account of the naval attaché, who described a very strong, flashing light—likened to a magnesium flash—followed by a wave-shaped white smoke trail. The direction of the object was determined to be in the Helsinki-Porkkala area, with most reports indicating a trajectory from the northeast to the southwest and an altitude between 5 and 10 kilometers. Expert opinion remained divided at the time of the report; while Professor G. Järnefelt of the astronomical observatory suggested it was a meteorite, other experts cited by the newspaper Helsingin Sanomat speculated it could be a test of a V2-projectile. A follow-up note added on June 12, 1946, mentions that Dr. Ölander of the Helsinki astronomical observatory, who personally observed the 'ghost rocket,' also considered a meteorite to be the most likely explanation. The report includes a map and press clippings as enclosures.