PROJECT 10073 RECORD CARD - 22 September 1956

On 22 September 1956, at approximately 0345 hours, four observers at Kelly Air Force Base, Texas, witnessed an unidentified aerial object. The object was described as a round, white, intensely bright light, comparable in size to a nickel held at arm's length. The witnesses reported that the object initially appeared like a falling star but grew larger as it approached the earth. It exhibited erratic movements, including hovering, moving up and down, and proceeding from NNW to ESE. One witness noted several exhausts around the outer edge of the object, which appeared to cause it to rotate in a counter-clockwise direction. The object remained in sight for approximately ten minutes before disappearing behind clouds. The report, prepared by Major J. G. Davis of the San Antonio Air Materiel Area (SAAMA), notes that there was no optical aid used and no radar contact. Weather conditions at the time included scattered clouds with a 1400-foot broken ceiling and 15-mile visibility. The official conclusion stated that the duration was too short for balloon analysis and that wind data conflicted with such an explanation. Despite considering the possibility of an aircraft, the report notes there was no aircraft in the area and no physical evidence was recovered. Consequently, the cause of the sighting remains unknown and the report was deemed insufficient for further analysis.