PROJECT 10073 RECORD CARD - UFO REPORT 30 JAN 61

This document is a collection of reports and a Project 10073 record card detailing a series of Unidentified Aerial Phenomena (UAP) sightings that occurred on the night of January 30, 1961, across North Central and North East Kansas, as well as parts of Missouri. Multiple witnesses, including military personnel at Forbes AFB, McConnell AFB, and the 790th Radar Squadron at Kirksville AFS, reported observing a bright, round object. Descriptions consistently characterized the object as having a round shape, appearing white or blue-green before changing to red, and resembling a large flare. Some witnesses noted a faint short tail, while others described the object as having a size comparable to a quarter held at arm's length or approximately two feet in diameter. The duration of the sightings varied between 10 seconds and one minute. The object was observed to move in a gliding arc before flaring out and disintegrating. Despite the reports, no interception or identification action was taken. Radar at one location, identified as 'FOOTPAD', reported a return at 330 degrees at 15 nautical miles during the period. Weather conditions were reported as clear with unlimited ceilings and good visibility. The official conclusion reached by the investigating officers, including Captain George C. Wren, was that the sightings were likely caused by an unusually bright meteor or meteorite, noting that meteor showers were active at the time. The reports emphasize that the information received from surrounding agencies was of unknown reliability and did not form a consistent pattern, though the fading glow and disappearance of the objects lent support to the meteor theory. No physical evidence was recovered.