Sighting Report — Sheridan, Wyoming, 18 July 1953

This document collection details the investigation of an unidentified aerial phenomenon reported on 18 July 1953 near Sheridan, Wyoming. A rancher reported observing an extremely fast object moving from the northwest to the southeast at 1335 MST. The witness described the object as making a 'roar and swishing sound' before disappearing instantly. The report notes that the object was moving too fast to ascertain its shape or color. Initial military communications, including a Joint Messageform, requested that the CAA Radio Station in Sheridan obtain the name and address of the observer to facilitate a standard questionnaire. Subsequent correspondence clarifies that the name of the observer was initially received incorrectly via telephone. It was later determined that three individuals had witnessed the object. The official conclusion reached by the Air Technical Intelligence Center (ATIC) was that the phenomenon was likely a meteor. The documents also include internal correspondence between project personnel, including a letter to Dr. J. Hynek regarding the status of various sightings and the administrative transition of the project, noting that Captain Ruppelt would be part-timing on the project until a replacement arrived. The weather at the time of the sighting was reported as 8,000 feet scattered and 25,000 feet broken, with a temperature of 54 degrees. No photographic evidence, physical traces, or radar contacts were reported in connection with the event.