Project 10073 Record Card: Sighting of 29 January 1952, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania

This document collection details the investigation into a green fireball sighting reported over Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, on 29 January 1952. The primary report, dated 28 February 1952, was prepared by Major Robert H. Ray of the Inspector General's office, following a request from the 5th District OSI. The sighting involved a brilliant bluish-green spheroid with an orange and red tail, observed for approximately 10 to 12 seconds traveling in a flat arc toward the southwest. The object was silent and faded from view at an elevation of 20 degrees. Colonel Joseph D. Caldara, a USAF pilot, was among the witnesses and noted that the object bore no resemblance to typical meteors he had observed in the Pacific. However, Dr. Charles Pollard Olivier, Director of Astronomical Observations at the University of Pennsylvania, concluded that the phenomenon was a brilliant meteor. Dr. Olivier received approximately 450 reports from the public, ranging from Massachusetts to Maryland, and noted that the end point of the trajectory suggested the possibility of meteorite fragments falling. The Air Technical Intelligence Center (ATIC) maintained an interest in the 'green fireball' phenomenon, noting that Dr. Lapaz, a meteorite authority, had been soliciting information on these sightings, though ATIC clarified that Lapaz was not working for the Air Force. The document includes internal correspondence between ATIC and other units regarding the scientific nature of these fireballs and the lack of further action contemplated by ATIC at the time. The case was officially marked as 'RUC' (Reported Under Control) by the District Commander.