Project 10073 Record Card — Hawthorne, California, September 1, 1955

On September 1, 1955, at 0730Z, an unidentified aerial phenomenon was observed in Hawthorne, California. The witness, an employee of the American Airlines Communications Department, reported seeing a fairly bright white light approaching from the north. The object hovered directly overhead, exhibiting a 'bobbing' motion, before proceeding west over the ocean. The entire sighting lasted approximately ten minutes. The observer, who was at 1134 West 139th Street, stated that they did not believe the object was an aircraft. Weather conditions at the time were clear with unlimited visibility. Official reports indicate that the object was likely a Goodyear blimp, which had been operating in the area over the preceding days, although military controllers could not definitively confirm if the blimp was in operation at the exact time of the sighting. The report notes that the 'bobbing' effect and the duration of the sighting are consistent with the characteristics of a balloon. The case was processed under Project 10073.