Declassified UFO / UAP Document
Project 10073 Record Card — Albuquerque, New Mexico, 23 July 1961
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AI-Generated Summary
A civilian in Albuquerque reported a round, white object moving slowly across the sky on July 23, 1961. Military investigators concluded the object was likely a high-flying aircraft rather than a weather balloon.
This document consists of a Project 10073 Record Card and associated teletype correspondence regarding a UFO sighting reported in Albuquerque, New Mexico, on July 23, 1961. The primary witness, an elderly retired government worker, observed a round, white object moving slowly and smoothly from East to West for approximately six minutes. The witness noted that the sun reflected off the object. The report indicates that the witness's daughter also observed the object. The sighting occurred under clear weather conditions. The military investigation, conducted by the 4900th Air Base Group at Kirtland Air Force Base, noted that a balloon had been released from Kirtland AFB at 2332Z on July 23, 1961. However, the official comments suggest that while weather balloons are known to remain in the general area of launch, they are typically difficult to see with the naked eye. The investigating officer concluded that the object was more likely a high-flying aircraft, noting that the witnesses were located under a highly traveled airway. The report also mentions that a definitive preliminary analysis was hindered by the late submission of the sighting report.
Weather balloons are known to remain aloft and remain in same general area of launch, or returning to area of launch. However, they are generally at an altitude that would make it difficult to see with naked eye.
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Official Assessment
Weather balloons are known to remain aloft and remain in same general area of launch, or returning to area of launch. However, they are generally at an altitude that would make it difficult to see with naked eye. Witnesses are located under a highly traveled airway and object was more probably a high flying a/c.
The object was likely a high-flying aircraft, though weather balloons were noted as a possibility for similar sightings.
Witnesses
- Mrs [illegible]Housewife and retired government worker
Key Persons
- Daughter of Mrs [illegible]Witness