Project 10073 Record Card — Sighting S of Kyushu Island, Japan, 29 Nov 60

This document is a Project 10073 record card and associated correspondence regarding an Unidentified Aerial Phenomena (UAP) sighting that occurred on November 29, 1960, south of Kyushu Island, Japan. Two witnesses, Lt. Colonel Roy L. Blwlin, Jr. and Major Frank B. Brown of the 313 Air Division, observed a white light against a star background for approximately ten minutes. The object was described as having no shape or features, similar in size to the North Star when viewed from an altitude of 21,000 feet. The observers reported that the object moved at an angle of 45 degrees from the horizon to the zenith, with an azimuth shift from 350 degrees to 30 degrees. It initially followed a flight path of 090 degrees before settling into a straight, parallel course that appeared to be an orbital path, eventually ending in a sudden disappearance. The observers noted no sound and no maneuvering. Weather conditions at the time were reported as unlimited visibility with an overcast cloud deck at 14,000 feet. Colonel Bowlin conducted an investigation, including checking with the Navy and other units in the area, all of which returned negative reports regarding aircraft in the vicinity. The possibility of a balloon was considered, but the reporting officer, Captain Johnny W. Shanks, noted that the timing of the report and the actual release of balloons in the area made this explanation unlikely. A subsequent evaluation by ATIC, dated December 16, 1960, confirmed that a check with Spacetrack to determine if the object was a satellite yielded negative results. Consequently, the object was officially classified as 'unidentified.' The reporting officer emphasized that any further conclusions would be speculative and requested that ATIC provide a possible explanation, noting that a similar report had been submitted on October 25, 1960.