Project 10073 Record — Sighting at Nemuro AF Detachment, Hokkaido, Japan, 7 February 1953

This Air Intelligence Information Report, dated 26 February 1953, documents an unidentified aerial phenomenon observed on 7 February 1953, at the Nemuro Air Force Detachment in Hokkaido, Japan. Five personnel, including an aircraft controller, radar maintenance staff, and radar operators, reported observing a bright light for approximately 35 minutes starting at 2130Z. The witnesses described the object as appearing star-like, changing colors rapidly between red, green, and white, and remaining relatively motionless. Some observers noted the light appeared to be in an orbit, while others claimed it was whirling. The object was also detected on radar at 85 degrees and 165 nautical miles, though the radar return was dismissed as interference. The weather at the time was reported as clear. The report includes individual statements from the witnesses, who provided varying accounts of the object's appearance and behavior. One witness, 1st Lt. Billy D. Burnett, noted that the object was brighter than the evening star and that he used 7x50 binoculars to observe it. Another witness, A/1c Harvey W. Abhold, described the radar return as a single pip that did not paint on subsequent sweeps. The official conclusion provided by the D/I FEAF (Directorate of Intelligence, Far East Air Forces) suggests that the sighting was likely a lighted weather balloon launched from a Soviet station in the islands off Hokkaido. This conclusion is based on the timing of the incident, which coincided with standard weather balloon launch times, and the excellent visibility conditions in the area. The report includes a pilotage chart overlay showing the direction of the sighting toward the Russian-held islands. The document was prepared by Major Francis S. Dole and approved by Colonel George D. Hastings, Director of Requirements, Deputy for Intelligence.