Project 10073 Record Card and Related Correspondence — Sharon, Georgia, October 1959

On October 12, 1959, multiple witnesses in the vicinity of Washington, Sharon, and Crawfordsville, Georgia, reported observing a strange, gossamer-like substance falling from the sky. The material, described as resembling spider webs or 'angel hair,' was observed for approximately two hours. Witnesses reported that the substance was floating in the air and falling to the ground, with some strands appearing to have small, pea-sized red objects at their ends. A Georgia State Patrol officer also observed white or gray streaks on his lawn, which, when mowed over, released a gray dust that rose into the air. Air Force investigators from Robins Air Force Base were dispatched to conduct a preliminary investigation. They collected various samples, including dust, insulation, water, and grass cuttings, which were sent to the chemical and materials laboratory for analysis. The laboratory report, dated October 19, 1959, identified the presence of silver halides in the samples. The final report, issued by the 2853D Air Base Wing on October 27, 1959, concluded that the substance was not an unidentified aerial phenomenon but rather a natural phenomenon resulting from cloud seeding efforts. The report noted that silver iodide is widely used in cloud seeding and that research projects at the University of Georgia and the Lockheed Company in Marietta were potential sources of the material. The case was officially closed with the determination that the material was likely industrial waste or cloud seeding residue carried by wind currents.