Unusual Phenomena Observed by Aircrew — Charleston, West Virginia, 24 September 1952

This intelligence report, dated 16 October 1952, details an aerial sighting by a B-29 aircrew on 24 September 1952. While flying at 19,000 feet, approximately 50 miles south of Charleston, West Virginia, the crew observed numerous bright, metallic-appearing particles streaming past their aircraft. The objects were described as pencil-point in width and varied in length from a tiny flash to streaks over three feet long. These particles were visible from all observation points on the aircraft and were observed by all crew members. The objects flowed smoothly past the plane without hitting any surfaces, including the wings, windshields, or propellers. The phenomenon was observed for a distance of 50 miles. The crew noted that there was no turbulence, no condensation trails, and no spectrum was observed. The indicated free air temperature was -10.0°C, corrected to -6.0°C. Although cirrus clouds were visible in the distance, no clouds were encountered directly. The detachment commander and detachment forecaster interviewed the pilot, engineer, and a tail section crew member, but could not correlate the report with known weather phenomena. The Directorate of Scientific Services of the Air Weather Service reviewed the report and stated they could offer no explanation. The pilot explicitly rejected the possibility that the objects were ice crystals or chaff. The matter was subsequently referred to Project Bluebook at the Air Technical Intelligence Center for further attention.