Declassified UFO / UAP Document
PROJECT 10073 RECORD CARD - 22 March 1956 - Dixon, California
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AI-Generated Summary
A civilian reported a spherical, oscillating object in the sky over Dixon, California, on March 22, 1956. Official investigation concluded the object was one of two weather balloons launched from Vernallis, California, earlier that day.
On March 22, 1956, at 1815Z, a civilian witness reported observing an unidentified aerial object while driving on Highway US40, two to three miles west of Dixon, California. The witness described the object as spherical, white in color, and appearing to be the size of a match head held at arm's length. The object was observed for approximately one to two minutes, during which it appeared to oscillate and changed its flight path from northwest to northeast. The witness noted the object was at an angle of fifteen degrees vertical from the ground. Following the report, an investigation was conducted by checking with HEDADC regarding potential aerial activity in the area. The investigation identified that two MDH-type balloons, designated '1-8' and '1-9', had been launched from Vernallis, California, earlier that same day. Balloon '1-8' was launched at 1407Z and balloon '1-9' at 1512Z. Both balloons were calculated to have been in the approximate area of the sighting at the time of the observation. Based on this information, the official conclusion recorded on the Project 10073 record card is that the object was a balloon.
One spherical object, the size of a head of a match held at arms length white in color, first appeared to be heading northwest and then changing heading to north east.
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Official Assessment
Was Balloon
A check with HEDADC revealed that two balloons were launched at Vernallis, California, on the day of the sighting, and a few hours before the sighting. Balloon '1-8' (MDH Type) was launched from Vernallis at 22/1407Z. Balloon '1-9' (MDH Type) was launched at 1512Z on 22 Mar 56. Both balloons initially headed north and were computed to have been in the approx area of the sighting.
Witnesses
- [illegible]Civilian