PROJECT 10073 RECORD CARD - Woodridge, England - 2 Jan 58

On January 2, 1958, at approximately 0217Z, personnel at RAF Station Woodbridge, including AACS tower operators and weather staff, observed an unidentified aerial object. The object was described as oval-shaped, dull reddish-orange in color, and approximately the size of a grapefruit. During the observation, which lasted one hour and fifteen minutes, the object exhibited unusual movement, including turning on end to reveal three tail-like protrusions, moving slowly up and down, and shifting laterally before returning to its original position. The object appeared to grow larger and brighter before eventually dimming and disappearing as an orange glow. The report notes that several aircraft, including five F-86s, one F-84-F, and one L-20, were in the area at the time. Despite the unusual characteristics reported, the consensus among the AACS tower and weather personnel on duty was that the object was likely the planet Venus. This conclusion was formally concurred with by the Air Technical Intelligence Center (ATIC). The report was prepared by Captain William F. Manning of the 79th Fighter Bomber Squadron and approved by Colonel Harlan B. Ferrill of the Third Air Force.