Unidentified Flying Object Sighted at Westhampton Beach, New York, 15 January 1953

This report details an investigation into a sighting of two unidentified flying objects over Westhampton Beach, New York, on 15 January 1953. The primary witness, a member of the Civil Defense Ground Observer Corps, reported observing two objects for approximately one and a half hours. The witness described the first object as appearing as a star, initially red on top and later turning white, moving slowly in a wavering motion. A second object, described as semi-circle shaped, approached from a westerly direction, appeared to half-circle the first object, and then traveled in the same direction. The witness reported the sighting to the New Haven Civil Defense Filter Center. Special Agent Charles L. Stecher of the 2nd OSI District conducted the investigation, interviewing the witness and verifying weather data with Captain Donald M. Cohen of the 12-9 Weather Detachment at Suffolk County Air Force Base. Captain Cohen confirmed that there were no weather balloons released from the base on the date of the sighting and provided meteorological data regarding wind conditions. The investigation concluded that the objects were likely astronomical in nature, specifically stars or planets, noting that the objects resembled stars when last observed. The Office of Special Investigations closed the file, stating that no further action was required.