Correspondence regarding 'ghost rockets' and electrical phenomena, October 9, 1946

This document is a letter dated October 9, 1946, written from Stockholm. The author, who is professionally involved in processing reports regarding the 'ghost rockets' (spökraketerna) that have been appearing over Sweden for some time, writes to a colleague to solicit their expert opinion on the nature of these phenomena. The author suggests that many of these reports might be attributable to electrical phenomena and asks for the recipient's perspective. To illustrate the nature of the reports being received, the author provides a specific account from October 4, 1946, at 17:55. According to three observers, a fireball larger than a tennis ball approached rapidly from the south. It was first sighted at an altitude of approximately 10 meters. Over a distance of 100 meters, it descended to an altitude of 2 meters, where it exploded, producing a bright brand-yellow light, a shower of sparks, and a dull bang. One observer noted that a portion of the object continued along its original path. The fireball was accompanied by a tail or a glow. Despite the location being precisely determined, no fragments were found, and no signs of heat or other traces were observed. The author concludes by asking if this could be ball lightning or if it must be suspected to be a space projectile of unknown construction, requesting a prompt reply.