Declassified UFO / UAP Document
Project 10073 Record Card — Sighting Report, North Dayton, Ohio, July 22-23, 1961
Ever wanted to host your own late-night paranormal radio show?
Across the Airwaves
You're on the air. Callers bring Mothman, Fresno Nightcrawlers, UFO sightings, reptilian autopsies, and whispers about AATIP and Project Blue Book. Every reply shapes how the night goes.
AI-Generated Summary
A Naval Reserve officer reported a bright, star-like object moving erratically over Dayton, Ohio, in July 1961. The Air Force investigation concluded the object was the Echo I satellite, attributing the reported erratic behavior to atmospheric refraction and human error in observation.
This document is a Project 10073 record card and accompanying U.S. Air Force Technical Information Sheet detailing a sighting reported by a 30-year-old Naval Reserve officer in Huber Heights, Dayton, Ohio. The witness reported observing a bright, bluish-white, star-like object on the nights of July 22 and 23, 1961. The object moved from the southwest to the northeast. The witness described the object's behavior as erratic, noting side-to-side movements and fluctuations in speed, which he initially thought might be a satellite or a Sputnik booster. The sighting lasted between 6 and 12 minutes, and the object eventually faded from view at an elevation of approximately 20 to 30 degrees above the horizon. The witness, who was outdoors at his home, reported the incident to Wright-Patterson Air Force Base (WPAFB) at 0150 hours. The official evaluation, conducted by an FTD duty officer, concluded that the object was the Echo I satellite. The report notes that a plot of the Echo I satellite's trajectory confirmed it could have been visible in the area at the time, albeit at a lower elevation than the witness estimated. The investigator suggested that the witness's perception of erratic movement and speed changes was likely due to atmospheric refraction or the physiological effects of staring at a bright object in the night sky, noting that individuals often overestimate elevation.
Objt therefore probably Echo I. Side to side movement attributed to refraction or staring at objt by observer.
PDF not loading? Download the PDF directly
Official Assessment
It is apparent witness was watching for Echo I in early morning hrs when he saw it second time. A plot of Echo I indicates that it could be seen in this area moving in direction reported by witness, but at a lower elevation. However, the elevation of an objt in night sky is very hard to estimate accurately, even by experienced personnel. Most people have a tendency to over-estimate elevation by several degrees. Objt therefore probably Echo I. Side to side movement attributed to refraction or staring at objt by observer.
The object was identified as the Echo I satellite. The witness's reports of erratic movement and speed changes were attributed to atmospheric refraction or the observer's own visual perception while staring at the object.
Witnesses
- [illegible]Officer in NAV. Res.