Declassified UFO / UAP Document
Project 10073 Record Card: Sighting in Birmingham, Michigan, 17 August 1958
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AI-Generated Summary
A civilian sighting of a glowing object in Birmingham, Michigan, on August 17, 1958, was investigated by the Air Force. While initially suspected to be Sputnik III, subsequent analysis suggested the object was likely the planet Jupiter.
This document consists of a Project 10073 record card and an associated teletype report regarding an unidentified aerial phenomenon observed on August 17, 1958, in Birmingham, Michigan. The report was filed by the 661st ACWRON at Selfridge Air Force Base. The witness, a civilian, reported observing a round, glowing, bluish-white object that appeared larger than a star. The object was sighted in the West-Southwest at an elevation of 35 degrees, moving East-Northeast, and making a slight turn to the North as it approached. The duration of the observation was approximately three minutes. The report was processed under Air Force Regulation 200-2. Initial military assessment suggested the object might have been a star or the third stage of the Soviet satellite Sputnik III. However, the report includes a handwritten annotation on the final page stating that an astro plot and charts indicated the planet Jupiter was in the exact location reported by the observer. The document includes detailed weather data from Selfridge AFB for the time of the sighting, noting good visibility and specific wind conditions at various altitudes. The report was relayed through Captain Harry L. Shumate and Captain Mattess of the Airdrome Officer staff at Selfridge AFB to the Air Technical Intelligence Center at Wright-Patterson Air Force Base.
an astro plot and astro charts indicate the planet jupiter was in the exact location given by the observer.
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Official Assessment
Data given indicates possible sighting of Sputnik III. No confirmation.
The object was initially reported as a glowing, bluish-white, round object larger than a star. Subsequent analysis by military personnel suggested it may have been a star or the third stage of Sputnik III. A handwritten note on the final page indicates that an astro plot and astro charts showed the planet Jupiter was in the exact location given by the observer.
Key Persons
- Harry L. ShumateCaptain
- MattessCaptain, Airdrome Officer