Project 10073 Record Card: Sighting of 2 November 1957

This document is a Project 10073 record card and associated teletype report detailing a sighting of two unidentified aerial objects on November 2, 1957. The incident occurred over the Atlantic Ocean, approximately 275 miles east of Cape Cod, Massachusetts. The witnesses were Captain Edward Perterson and 1st Lieutenant Gaylon Overton of the 961st AEW&CON Squadron, who were operating an RC-121 aircraft. According to the report, the two objects were observed at 0323Z and 0344Z. They were described as brilliant white, round, and approximately the size of a pea. The objects appeared to resemble stars but were distinct in that they emitted smoke or vapor trails and were traveling on a heading of approximately 340 degrees true, parallel to the aircraft's flight path. The report explicitly states that both objects exploded, and that during these explosions, the cockpit of the aircraft was brilliantly illuminated. The crew noted that the phenomenon was different from any falling star or comet they had observed on numerous previous occasions. The official conclusion recorded on the card is 'Probably astronomical, Meteors.' However, the documentation includes a handwritten note next to the mention of the smoke/vapor trail, stating, 'Note: Suggestive to a combustion engine.' The report was submitted in accordance with Air Force Regulation 200-2 and was evaluated by the Air Technical Intelligence Center (ATIC). The document provides technical details regarding the aircraft's flight, including its altitude of 'Angels 5' (5,000 feet) and speed of 240 knots, as well as meteorological conditions, which included an undercast and overcast skies.