Project 10073 Record Card: Sighting in Bayonne, New Jersey, 2 May 1960

This document contains the records for a UFO sighting reported in Bayonne, New Jersey, on May 2, 1960. The primary witness, whose name is redacted, observed a luminous object at approximately 8:40 P.M. while standing at the corner of 33rd Street. The witness described the object as a red disc, similar in appearance to a traffic light, which emitted a 'zoom' sound followed by a crackling noise as it traveled from the East toward the North West. The object reportedly blacked out and then displayed a reddish glow before disappearing. The witness estimated the speed at 90-110 mph and the altitude at approximately one-quarter mile. The witness also noted that there was a second witness present at the time, but only one report was filed. The Air Force sent a questionnaire to the witnesses, which was completed by one individual on May 20, 1960. In the questionnaire, the witness speculated that the object might have been a satellite or a flare, noting that the trajectory did not resemble that of a falling star. The Aerospace Technical Intelligence Center (ATIC) reviewed the report and concluded that the data was insufficient for a valid evaluation. Major Lawrence J. Tacker of the Air Force informed the witness on May 17, 1960, that the initial letter contained insufficient information, leading to the request for the formal questionnaire. The file includes the original correspondence, the completed U.S. Air Force Technical Information Sheet, and internal routing slips from the Aerospace Technical Intelligence Center.