Project 10073 Record: Unidentified Aerial Objects Sighted NE Boise, Idaho

This report details an investigation into an unidentified aerial object sighting that occurred on 5 July 1949, near Boise, Idaho. The primary witnesses, a civilian couple, reported observing a brilliant silver, circular object while positioned on Skyline Road. The witnesses estimated the object to be at an altitude of approximately 40,000 feet, traveling at speeds of 1,500 mph. They described the object as performing steady loops and turns, and noted that it appeared to emit occasional puffs of greyish smoke or vapor. The sighting lasted for approximately 25 minutes. The investigation was initiated following a newspaper article in the 'Idaho Daily Statesman' and subsequent correspondence from the FBI. Agents from the Office of Special Investigations interviewed the witnesses on 25 August 1949. The agents noted that the witnesses had difficulty agreeing on specific details of the sighting, though they appeared to be of normal reactions and had not consumed alcohol. The official conclusion reached by the investigators was that the object was likely an upper air research balloon that remained visible due to the sun's light after sunset. The report includes references to previous investigations and enclosures regarding the initial newspaper reports.