Air Intelligence Information Report — Pasadena, Texas, 23 March 1953

This Air Intelligence Information Report details a sighting of an unidentified flying object over Pasadena, Texas, on the night of 23 March 1953. The report, authored by Captain Chester L. Curvey of the 747th AC & W Squadron, documents observations made by seven individuals, including military personnel and civilians. The object was described as a steady, reddish light that circled over Pasadena before departing in a north-northwest direction. The duration of the observation was approximately 30 minutes. Radar contact was established at 0412 Z, lasting for about 25 seconds, though the duration was insufficient to capture a photograph of the radar blip. The object was estimated to be traveling at 300 to 350 knots at an altitude of 45,000 feet.

In the analysis section, the report concludes that the object was a Radiosonde weather balloon. The investigators noted that weather balloons released after dark carry a six-volt battery powering a small light, which is visible to the naked eye up to approximately 12,000 feet. The report further suggests that the oscillation of the suspended radiosonde in rough air, when illuminated at night, could be misconstrued as the orbited movement of an unknown aerial object. The report notes that ground clutter around the station hindered continuous tracking, and attempts to scramble aircraft for identification were unsuccessful as no pilots or aircraft were available at the time. The document includes several enclosures, including statements from the witnesses and relevant weather charts (WAC No. 468). The report is marked as unclassified and includes instructions for its downgrading and declassification.