Project 10073 Record Card — Sighting of 9 April 1960

This document is a Project 10073 record card and associated operational report concerning an unidentified aerial phenomenon observed on April 9, 1960, southeast of Newfoundland. The sighting occurred at 100045Z and was reported by a pilot described as very reliable. The object was observed for approximately 3 to 4 seconds, appearing as a 'comet tail' the size of a baseball, emitting a flame, and moving in an arc on a southwest course. The weather conditions were noted as having excellent visibility above a stratus layer, with 12 miles of ice crystals and 2/10 cirrus clouds at 20,000 feet. The report indicates that no radar contact was made. A secondary sighting was reported by an airline pilot to the north of the initial location, approximately 9 miles later, suggesting the object may have reappeared. The primary analysis conducted by the Senior Controller at the Goose Air Defense Sector concluded that there was no probable cause for the sighting other than the possible appearance of a meteor or comet. The document includes technical details such as the aircraft's altitude of 6,000 feet, a heading of 315 degrees magnetic, and a speed of 190 knots. The report was signed by Commander M.S. Noon.