Report of Investigation of Unidentified Flying Object Sighting — Chanute Air Force Base, Illinois — 2 July 1960

This document is a formal report of investigation conducted by the Chanute Technical Training Center regarding multiple sightings of unidentified aerial phenomena on the morning of 2 July 1960. The investigation was initiated under the authority of AFR 200-2 following reports of unusual lights in the sky over Chanute Air Force Base, Illinois. Several witnesses, including weather observers and personnel from the 1963rd AACS, reported observing flashes of greenish-white light and, in one instance, an egg-shaped object that appeared to break into two pieces while trailing sparks. The sightings occurred at various times between 0231Z and 0730Z. The investigation was led by Captain G. W. Nathan, who interviewed the witnesses and coordinated with the Moondust Project Officer, Lieutenant Miller. The Moondust Project Officer had previously been alerted to the expected re-entry of the Russian Rocket 1960 Epsilon II, which was predicted to re-enter the earth's atmosphere between late June and mid-July. Witnesses described the objects as having a trajectory from East to South, with some reports noting a trail of sparks. Despite the visual reports, no radar contact was made, and subsequent searches by personnel on the roof of the remote observing site yielded no further sightings. The report concludes that the sightings were likely attributable to a meteor shower, though the possibility of the re-entry of a satellite or rocket case was also considered. The investigating officer recommended that no further action be taken at the station, as all leads pointed toward natural phenomena or the predicted re-entry of space debris. The document includes various attachments, such as individual witness reports, weather data, and relevant military messages, confirming the procedural compliance with Air Force regulations regarding UFO reporting.