Project 10073 Record Card — Marion, Indiana, October 5, 1960

This document contains a Project 10073 record card and associated correspondence regarding an unidentified aerial phenomenon reported by a civilian witness in Marion, Indiana, on October 5, 1960. The witness described observing a green object, with a spectrum color resembling burning copper, that appeared to be one-third the diameter of the moon. The object was observed for approximately two seconds while descending before it burned out. The witness, who identified themselves as a radio and radar engineer, provided a detailed questionnaire response, comparing the object's appearance to a Roman candle. The Air Force responded to an inquiry from Senator Vance Hartke regarding the report. In their assessment, the Air Force suggested that the object was likely a bolide or a very bright meteor. They noted that while there were four objects of Russian origin that reentered the atmosphere around that time, the duration of the witness's sighting was considered too short for a typical man-made reentry. Consequently, the official conclusion favored the explanation of a natural green fireball entering the atmosphere, breaking up, and burning out before reaching the ground.