Project 10073 Record Card — Centerville, Ohio, March 1959

This document is a Project 10073 record card documenting a civilian sighting of an unidentified aerial phenomenon that occurred on March 17-18, 1959, approximately two miles north of Centerville, Ohio. The witness reported observing a bright object for thirty minutes, noting that it appeared to move from side to side and was positioned 45 degrees above the horizon. The witness was interviewed by the Air Technical Intelligence Center (ATIC). During the follow-up, the witness indicated that they had consulted with a friend who suggested the object was the planet Mars. An astronomical check performed by the investigating agency confirmed that the planet Mars was indeed the likely source of the sighting. The report concludes that the object was astronomical in nature. The file includes a U.S. Air Force Technical Information Sheet completed by the witness, which provides additional context regarding the observation conditions, noting clear skies and a lack of wind. The witness also mentioned in the summary data section that they had watched the object for two or three nights following the initial sighting before speaking with their friend.