Project 10073 Record Card and Air Intelligence Information Report - Tachikawa-Yokota AFB, Japan, 2 Jan 58

This document is an Air Intelligence Information Report (IR 652-58) produced by the 6004th Air Intelligence Service Squadron regarding a series of sightings of unidentified aerial phenomena near Tachikawa and Yokota Air Bases in Japan on January 2, 1958. The report includes multiple Project 10073 record cards completed by various witnesses, including USAF personnel. Witnesses described a variety of objects, including bright red, yellow, and reddish-white lights, some with tails and sparks, moving in various directions. Descriptions of the objects included shapes like cigars, pinheads, and objects the size of a pea or a dollar. The duration of the sightings was generally short, ranging from a few seconds to 15 seconds. Witnesses provided estimates of speed, with one report suggesting 1600 m.p.h. The official conclusion reached by the Air Technical Intelligence Section was that the sightings were caused by the Quadrantids meteoric shower, which was active at the time and characterized by long, slow paths of medium speed. The report notes that due to the high density of air traffic in the area, monitoring of air activity was waived to save time. The document includes several enclosures, specifically ATIC Form 16L reports, and references AFR 200-2. The report was approved by Colonel Frank L. Dunn of the 6002nd Air Intelligence Service Group.