Project 10073 Record Card — Grand Portage, Minnesota, 12 Sep 60

On September 12, 1960, at approximately 0430Z, a civilian witness in Grand Portage, Minnesota, reported observing a large, unidentified object. The witness described the object as being similar in appearance to a tank situated on a water tower, featuring many bright red lights. The object was estimated to be between 700 and 800 feet in size. According to the report, the object initially headed west from Grand Portage before turning east toward Suzy Island in Lake Superior. It descended behind a hill on the island, reappeared, and then headed west again before disappearing. The entire observation lasted between 15 and 20 minutes. The weather conditions at the time were reported as having an overcast ceiling of 28, with visibility of 15 plus and a temperature of 44 degrees Fahrenheit. The official evaluation, conducted by the Air Technical Intelligence Center, suggested that the object was likely a helicopter, although investigators were unable to confirm the presence of any aircraft in the area at the time of the sighting. The report also considered the possibility that the planet Jupiter, which was at a magnitude of -1.8 and setting at the time, may have contributed to the sighting. However, the investigators concluded that Jupiter could not account for the object's observed flight path, which included passing overhead and moving toward the east. Ultimately, the report stated there was no evidence to suggest the object was an interplanetary space vehicle or that it posed a threat to United States security.