Declassified UFO / UAP Document
Project 10073 Record Card - Sighting Incident 11 July 1961
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AI-Generated Summary
A civilian in Washington, D.C. reported a star-like object breaking into pieces on July 11, 1961. The Air Force concluded the event was likely a bursting weather balloon.
This document consists of a Project 10073 record card and an associated Air Force teletype message regarding a UFO sighting in Washington, D.C., on July 11, 1961. The witness, a 25-year-old civilian, reported observing a star-like, white object at 2045 EDT. The object was seen moving from the zenith toward the southwest at 20 degrees. The witness described the object as breaking into four pieces and appearing to disintegrate. Three of the pieces reportedly disappeared within one minute, with the fourth following a minute later. The witness noted that there was no sound associated with the event. The Air Force investigation concluded that the sighting was likely a weather balloon. The report notes that a weather balloon had been released 15 minutes prior to the sighting and that the projected time of the balloon's burst at altitude closely coincided with the time of the reported observation. The weather conditions at the time were described as clear to scattered, cool, and dry.
It is quite possible that object observed was weather balloon released 15 min prior to sighting.
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Official Assessment
It is quite possible that object observed was weather balloon released 15 min prior to sighting. It was reported that this balloon burst prior to reaching altitude at about time sighting was made.
The sighting was likely a weather balloon that burst at altitude, coinciding with the reported time of the observation.
Witnesses
- J.L.Civilian