Project 10073 Record Card — Manus Island, 31 May 1960

This document consists of a Project 10073 record card and associated correspondence regarding an unidentified aerial phenomenon reported over Manus Island in the Admiralty Islands on May 31, 1960. The report, originating from a civilian source, describes a brilliant, blinding light that was initially observed as a small moving object. The object reportedly grew in size until it appeared to flood the entire sky. Approximately three to four minutes after the visual sighting, the witness reported hearing a series of heavy explosive sounds. The incident was formally evaluated by the United States Air Force under the provisions of AFR 200-2. The official conclusion reached by the investigating authorities was that the phenomenon was an astronomical event, specifically a bolide-type meteor of unusual size. The documentation includes a referral notice from the Assistant Chief of Staff, Intelligence (AFCIN-2), dated August 8, 1960, and a letter from the Australian Embassy in Washington, D.C., dated July 14, 1960. The embassy letter, signed by Wing Commander A.E. Mather, RAAF Intelligence Representative, forwarded the report to the International Liaison Division of the USAF Directorate of Intelligence for their information and retention. The record card notes that the information provided was very limited in nature, but the description was consistent with the characteristics of a large bolide. The documents were later declassified in accordance with AFR 205-1, with a cancellation of the original classification marked on May 12, 1969.