Project 10073 Record Card — Dover AFB, Delaware, 15 Oct 59

On October 15, 1959, at 2301Z, a sighting of an unidentified aerial phenomenon occurred at Dover Air Force Base, Delaware. The event was observed by T/Sgt William C. Carn, Jr., the Tower Chief, and A/2C John D. Olive, a local controller. The witnesses described the object as a white fireball with a tail that changed color from white to blue and then to blue-green. The object was observed for exactly 14 seconds, traversing an arc of 45 degrees to the east-southeast. The witnesses estimated the size of the object by holding a pea at arm's length, noting the tail was one to one and one-fourth inches long using this method. The flight path was described as exactly horizontal and parallel with the horizon, disappearing behind the horizon at an elevation of 4 degrees. Weather conditions at the time were clear with good visibility of 15 to 20 miles, and a full moon was rising. Surface winds were calm, though temperature inversions were noted at 700-1000 feet and 5000 feet. The sighting was reported via official Air Force staff message channels. Major Stanley J. Ash, the Wing Plans and Intelligence Officer, reviewed the report and suggested that due to the precise bearings, duration, and level trajectory, the object could possibly be a missile. However, the official conclusion recorded on the Project 10073 record card categorized the object as a meteor. Additionally, the report notes that a similar object was reported at the same time by a radar station at Patuxent. The document also includes supplementary information regarding other sightings from October 1959, including reports from various locations such as Kentucky, Korea, and Maryland, which were evaluated as stars, planets, or other phenomena.