Project 10073 Record Card — 7 September 1953, Crosby, N.D.

This document consists of a Project 10073 record card and associated teletype correspondence regarding an unidentified aerial phenomenon reported on September 7, 1953, near Crosby, North Dakota. The witness, 2nd Lieutenant Michael Anaclerio of the 780th ACWRON, described observing a circular object, approximately the size of a dime, which displayed flashing red, green, and violet colors. The object was observed for one hour and thirty minutes, during which it appeared to move to the west before gaining altitude as the sun rose. The report notes that the observer heard no sound and that the weather conditions were clear and cool with a slight breeze. The official evaluation, conducted by the Air Technical Intelligence Center (ATIC), concluded that the sighting was likely the planet Mars. Investigators noted that astronomical plots and tables placed Mars in the exact position reported by the witness at the time of the incident. Furthermore, the report suggests that the cool weather conditions would have contributed to the visual effect of the planet appearing to flash and change color. The documentation includes technical details such as the object's position relative to the horizon and azimuth, as well as the administrative routing of the report through various Air Defense Command units.