Air Intelligence Information Report: Unidentified Aerial Object (FLYBRPT) - 23 January 1953

This document is an Air Intelligence Information Report dated 2 February 1953, detailing a sighting of an unidentified aerial object at Ernest Harmon Air Force Base in Newfoundland on 23 January 1953. The sighting occurred at 0040Z and involved multiple personnel from Base Operations, the Weather Detachment, and the 105th AC&W Squadron. The object was described as an oval-shaped light, stationary or moving slowly to the Northwest, with colors shifting between white, red, blue, green, and yellow. Observers noted the object was silent and left no trail or exhaust. Despite the visual observation, radar attempts to track the object were unsuccessful. Weather conditions at the time included scattered clouds at 10,000 feet and an overcast layer at 20,000 feet, with 10-mile visibility. The report concludes that the object was likely the planet Venus, which was positioned at a bearing of 260-270 degrees and an altitude of approximately 5 degrees above the horizon at the time of the incident. The perceived movement and color changes were attributed to the passage of clouds of varying density between the observers and the planet. The report was prepared by Captain Nathan J. Meyerson and approved by the Director of Intelligence, Lt. Colonel Fred W. Siebbert.