Project 10073 Record Card — Sighting of 30 November 1960, Bothell, Washington

This document details a sighting report from 30 November 1960, in Bothell, Washington. A civilian witness, who identified herself as a metallurgical technician, reported observing a brilliant white object in the northern sky at approximately 1650 local time. The witness described the object as drifting downward, darting upward, and then drifting downward again, with 'needle-like crystals' appearing to shoot out from its circumference. The observation lasted for approximately 20 minutes. The witness initially reported the incident to the Seattle Times and subsequently to Senator Henry M. Jackson, who forwarded the information to the Air Force. The Aerospace Technical Intelligence Center (ATIC) requested further details from the witness, including information about her location, the window through which she observed the object, and weather conditions. The witness provided additional information, including a photograph of her home to clarify the viewing angle. Following an analysis, the Air Force concluded that the object was likely a refracted image of the star Capella, which was rising in the northeast at the time of the sighting. The witness later acknowledged this explanation in correspondence with the Air Force, noting that she did not wish to pursue the matter further. The file includes the original record card, correspondence between the witness, Senator Jackson, and the Air Force, and the final analysis sheet.