Project 10073 Record Card and Air Intelligence Information Report — Los Alamos, New Mexico, December 1952

This document contains a series of reports and correspondence regarding an unidentified aerial phenomenon observed over the Los Alamos Atomic Energy Commission installation on 12 December 1952. The primary witness, a security inspector employed by the Atomic Energy Commission, reported observing a round, luminous, bluish-white object that resembled a tennis ball wrapped in a handkerchief. The object was in sight for approximately three seconds before disappearing suddenly, leaving a trail of sparks from its rear. The incident was formally investigated by Special Agent Arthur W. Watts of the 17th OSI District, who initiated the investigation at the direction of the District Commander. The documentation includes a Project 10073 record card, an Air Intelligence Information Report (IR-24-52), and official correspondence between the Department of the Air Force and the Air Technical Intelligence Center at Wright-Patterson Air Force Base. The official conclusion reached by the Air Force investigators was that the object was 'probably a meteor.' The report notes that the description of the object, particularly the short duration of the sighting and the emission of sparks, is consistent with other reports evaluated as astronomical phenomena. The witness, whose reliability was noted as excellent, was a trained aerial observer. The documentation also includes a technical information sheet completed by the witness, which provides further details on the sighting conditions and the witness's background. The file was closed following the investigation, with instructions to maintain the confidentiality of the information in accordance with Air Force regulations regarding classified data.