UFO Sighting, 7 Oct 58 - Alexandria, Virginia

On 7 October 1958, at approximately 1810 hours, a high-ranking official serving as the Special Assistant to the Secretary of Defense for Research and Engineering observed an unidentified aerial phenomenon while walking in the 600 block of Lee Street in Alexandria, Virginia. The witness, described by military intelligence as scientifically qualified and of unquestionable reliability, reported seeing a bright, silvery, spherical object with an equatorial annulus. The object was initially stationary for approximately 10 seconds before moving rapidly southward and upward, eventually disappearing from view after about 50 seconds. The witness estimated the object's size to be approximately 600 feet based on its angular size of 3 degrees at an estimated slant range of 3 miles. No sound was associated with the object.

Following the report, the 1006th Air Intelligence Service Squadron (AISS) conducted a thorough investigation. They contacted various local agencies, including Anacostia Naval Air Station, Washington National Airport, the Naval Observatory, and local police departments, none of which reported any unusual activity or sightings. A review of air traffic records for the time of the incident identified a Capitol Airlines flight (DC-4) that had departed Washington National Airport and made a right turn, but this was determined to be routine. The Air Technical Intelligence Center (ATIC) evaluated the report and concluded that the witness had likely observed an optical illusion. They posited that the object was a reflection of the setting sun off ice crystals or a very thin cloud layer. As the sun lowered, the illumination of this reflector decreased, creating the illusion of motion and size change. The ATIC noted that the wind, which had a component toward the north, could have contributed to the perceived increase in altitude as the reflector drifted toward the witness. Despite the witness's high credibility, the investigation failed to uncover any other witnesses or corroborating physical evidence, leading the Air Force to classify the event as an explained phenomenon.