U.S. Air Force Technical Information Sheet — Sighting Report, 25 July 1953

This document is a U.S. Air Force Technical Information Sheet detailing a sighting report filed by a control tower operator at Bolling Air Force Base in Washington, D.C., on July 25, 1953. The witness, who was on duty in the control tower, reported observing two bright objects positioned one above the other, starting at 0309 EST. The witness noted that the lower object was significantly brighter and larger than the higher one. The objects were described as appearing like stars but were notably lower and larger than any other stars visible in the sky at that time. The observation lasted for one hour and 56 minutes, with the first object disappearing at 0455 EST and the second at 0505 EST. The witness attempted to take photographs, but reported a malfunction of the camera. The weather conditions were reported as clear, dry, and cool with no wind. In the official conclusion section of the report, the sighting was evaluated as astronomical in nature, specifically identifying the objects as the planets Venus and Jupiter. The report notes that the duration of the observation and the viewing conditions eliminated the possibility of the objects being balloons or aircraft. The document includes the witness's personal details, a summary of the event, and sketches illustrating the relative positions of the objects.