Report of Unidentified Flying Object (UFO) - Waikiki Beach, Hawaii

This document file details the investigation of a photographic anomaly reported by a Boeing Airplane Company employee who had previously served in the U.S. Navy. The witness submitted a color slide taken on June 18, 1959, at Waikiki Beach, Hawaii, which depicted a round white spot in the sky. The witness, who had been on liberty from the U.S.S. Pine Island (AV-12) at the time, claimed to have no knowledge of how the image was created and denied reloading his camera near a light source. The ARDC Liaison Office in Seattle forwarded the slide to the Aerospace Technical Intelligence Center (ATIC) at Wright-Patterson Air Force Base for analysis. Initial internal assessments by the ARDC Liaison Office suggested the possibility of a double exposure, given the camera used was an Argus C-3. However, subsequent technical analysis by ATIC personnel concluded that the most reasonable explanation for the image was sun flare. Experts noted that the sun striking the lens, potentially with water droplets on the front element, created the primary spot, while a series of smaller, less apparent spots across the frame provided further evidence of this optical phenomenon. The correspondence tracks the administrative process of requesting the original negative from the witness, ensuring its safe return, and conducting multiple rounds of photoanalysis. The final determination by ATIC, dated March 24, 1961, formally identified the anomaly as a result of specular reflection or refraction, reflection from a glass window, double exposure, or processing flaws, with sun flare being the primary conclusion. The file concludes with the return of the original negative to the witness and an expression of appreciation for his cooperation.