Unidentified Flight Object Sighting Report — Pasadena, California, February 1953

This document comprises a U.S. Air Force sighting report regarding an unidentified aerial phenomenon observed on February 27, 1953, near Pasadena, California. The witness, an individual with a background in engineering and experience as a balloon corps veteran, reported observing a bright, star-like object for approximately two hours. According to the witness, the object remained stationary before moving slowly to the northeast. The witness estimated the object to be 50 to 100 feet in diameter, at an altitude of 40,000 to 50,000 feet, and noted that it appeared to be made of a metallic material that reflected sunlight. As the sun set, the object reportedly changed color from bright to brownish-red, then red, before fading from view. The witness explicitly stated their opinion that the object was a large balloon made of metallic material, noting that it was too large and bright to be ordinary equipment. The report was forwarded by the March Flight Service Center to the Air Technical Intelligence Center at Wright-Patterson Air Force Base on March 24, 1953. The official conclusion provided by the Air Force categorized the object as a 'Probable Star/Planet,' noting that the witness's report was 'very sketchy.' The file includes the original correspondence, the technical information sheet, and sketches provided by the witness to illustrate the object's position and movement relative to the horizon.