UNIDENTIFIED FLYING OBJECT Sighted in Queens, N.Y. at 0120-0125 hours, 23 Feb 53

This report details an investigation by Special Agent Henry M. Langlois of the 2D District Office of Special Investigations into a sighting of an unidentified flying object in Bayside, Queens, New York, on February 23, 1953. The witness, an employee of the advertising branch of True magazine, reported observing a brilliant, off-yellow light with an orange tinge for approximately 12 seconds between 0120 and 0125 hours. The witness described the object as having no recognizable shape, appearing circular due to its glare, and being three to four times brighter than the star Polaris. According to the witness, the object traveled horizontally in low arcs, covering 60 degrees of angular traverse. He reported that the object would accelerate, decelerate, and momentarily hover at the apex of its trajectory, a maneuver he observed four or five times. The object eventually disappeared instantly, which the witness attributed to it passing behind an impenetrable black cloud. The witness stated he had prior experience observing aircraft and 'shooting stars' and felt this object did not resemble either. The official conclusion reached by the Air Technical Intelligence Center was that the object was a meteor, and that the reported deviations in speed were attributed to illusions. The witness noted that he had read articles concerning 'Flying Saucers' in True magazine and was interested in determining the nature of such objects.