Project 10073 Record Card — Sighting of Unidentified Object, Bedford, Massachusetts, 14 June 1961

This document details the investigation of an unidentified aerial object reported by a doctor in Bedford, Massachusetts, on June 14, 1961. The witness, who identified himself as an experienced observer of artificial satellites, reported seeing a flashing light in the sky between 3:00 AM and 3:05 AM. The object was observed for approximately 30 seconds, moving from the north toward the east at an altitude of about 25 degrees. The witness noted that the object had a regular flash period of approximately one second and appeared as bright as a full moon. The report was initially directed to the Smithsonian Institution's Moonwatch Headquarters before being forwarded to the Aerospace Technical Intelligence Center (ATIC) at Wright-Patterson Air Force Base for evaluation. The Air Force investigation concluded that the object was likely the anti-collision light of an aircraft. This conclusion was based on the reported flash rate of 60-100 per minute, which aligns with the specifications for anti-collision beacons used by the U.S. Air Force (MIL-L-21692). Furthermore, the Air Force calculated that at a distance of 10 nautical miles, the object's angular velocity would correspond to a speed of approximately 384 knots, a speed consistent with jet aircraft. The investigators noted that the witness's observation of a constant elevation angle further supported the theory that the object was a conventional aircraft following a normal flight path. The correspondence includes the original report from the witness, a letter from the Smithsonian Institution acknowledging their inability to identify the object, and the final assessment provided by Major William T. Coleman, Jr., of the UFO Project Office, who suggested that the witness be informed of the findings.