Project 10073 Record Card — Webb AFB, Texas, 20 July 1959

On July 20, 1959, at 0335Z, personnel at Webb AFB, Texas, reported an unusual sighting of an oblong, yellow light. The object, described as being the size of a pea, was observed by three qualified individuals, including control tower operators and a weather observer. The witnesses noted that the object initially moved slightly from side to side without vertical movement before appearing to travel toward the west. The object eventually faded from view, only to reappear later at a lower altitude and with decreased brightness before finally disappearing. The observation lasted for approximately 30 minutes. The sighting was also reported from Wink, Texas. Following the initial report, several agencies were notified, including GCI sites at Sweetwater, Pyote, and Albuquerque, as well as the El Paso ARTC and the Midland Air Terminal control tower. No intercept action was taken, and there was no reported air traffic in the area. A preliminary analysis conducted by 1/LT Leonard D. Schwab concluded that there was no physical evidence associated with the event. The final conclusion reached by the project investigators was that the sighting was likely the planet Venus, noting that astronomical charts confirmed the planet's position at the time and that the object's behavior—specifically the illusion of movement when gazed upon steadily—is consistent with the observation of a bright planet.