Project 10073 Record Card and Air Intelligence Information Report — Center Sandwich, New Hampshire, 22 March 1957

On 22 March 1957, between 2300 and 2400 Zulu, approximately fifty people in Center Sandwich, New Hampshire, observed an unidentified flying object. The object was described as round, pink to red in color, and larger than a B-47 aircraft. It featured three equally spaced illuminating lights and remained stationary in the northeast for approximately 40 minutes to one hour before rising to great heights and disappearing by fading out. One witness, a retired USAF Major and local postmaster, observed the object through a surveyor's transit for approximately 25 minutes, during which time it hovered between 357 and 020 degrees magnetic. While most witnesses had no opinion on the nature of the object, the observer who used the transit concluded it was a balloon. An investigation team from the 100th Bombardment Wing, including Captain Paul J. Anthony, arrived in Center Sandwich on 23 March 1957 to interview witnesses. Although four photographs were reportedly taken of the object, the film was found to be completely blank when developed by the Photo Lab at Portsmouth Air Force Base. The official conclusion reached by the investigating officer was that the sighting was caused by a weather balloon, citing the object's description, duration, and the assessment of the witness who used the transit. No unusual or strange objects were visible in the sky during the period the team investigated the incident.