Report of Unidentified Flying Objects - 16 Jan 61 - Fitchburg, Massachusetts

This document is a collection of reports and correspondence regarding an Unidentified Flying Object sighting that occurred on January 16, 1961, in Fitchburg, Massachusetts. The primary witness, a shop owner, reported observing four objects for approximately two and a half hours. The main object was described as being as large as a dime held at arm's length, while three smaller objects appeared pea-sized. All objects were described as round and bright silver or aluminum in color. The objects were observed performing complex maneuvers, including hovering in a Vee formation, looping, and zigzagging. The witness reported that the objects would approach and drop back in turn, and that the larger object would periodically 'dance wildly' before the group moved off. The objects eventually departed at a high rate of speed toward the north. The witness, who was interviewed by the 3245th Operations Group, stated that he had seen pictures of aerial refueling and that the maneuvers he observed did not coincide with those of known aircraft. The report notes that the sighting occurred in the vicinity of a SAC/TAC high-altitude refueling area. An amateur astronomer was also present during the observation, but his whereabouts were unknown at the time of the follow-up investigation. The Air Technical Intelligence Center (ATIC) requested further information regarding the continuity of the observation and the specific details of the objects' appearance and maneuvers. The investigating officer, Captain Richard N. Woda, noted that the witness appeared to be a sound and reliable citizen. Despite checks with Space Track at LG Hanscom, no information was found to explain the sighting.