Correspondence Regarding UAP Sighting — Berkeley, California, December 1958

This document collection details a UAP sighting reported by a civilian in Berkeley, California, on December 14, 1958. The witness, who identified himself as a licensed pilot and Reserve Flight Surgeon, observed four objects through 7x35 binoculars: one large, disc-shaped object resembling the color of Venus, accompanied by three smaller objects and a streak. The witness reported the objects were stationary for approximately ten minutes. The Air Force, through the Air Technical Intelligence Center (ATIC), investigated the report under Project 10073. The official Air Force conclusion was that the objects were a weather balloon (rawinsonde) released daily from the Metropolitan Oakland International Airport, which would have drifted into the observed position due to prevailing winds. The Air Force also noted that these balloons are equipped with radar reflectors, which could account for the smaller objects observed. The witness engaged in a lengthy correspondence with the Air Force, expressing skepticism regarding the balloon explanation. He noted that the objects were brighter than Venus and appeared stationary, and he questioned the accuracy of the Air Force's azimuth calculations regarding a Thor missile firing mentioned in Aviation Week. The witness requested that the Air Force confirm whether he and his wife, who also witnessed the event, were in full command of their senses, emphasizing their professional backgrounds as pilots. The Air Force maintained its position, providing technical details about the balloon's altitude, albedo, and radar equipment to support their conclusion.