Declassified UFO / UAP Document
Project 10073 Record Card — Stockbridge, Massachusetts, 1 August 1961
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AI-Generated Summary
A physician in Stockbridge, Massachusetts, reported a bright white light moving across the sky on August 1, 1961. Despite investigation by the 99th Bomb Wing and consultation with the Smithsonian Institute, the object remained unidentified.
This document consists of a Project 10073 record card and associated teletype correspondence regarding an unidentified aerial phenomenon reported on August 1, 1961, in Stockbridge, Massachusetts. The primary witness, a physician, observed a very bright white point of light at approximately 2005 local time. The object was described as moving in a straight path from the north at a 45-degree elevation toward the southeast at a 30-degree elevation, remaining visible for an estimated two to four minutes before fading in the distance. The witness used 3x binoculars, which provided no improvement in detail. The weather conditions were reported as having 5-12 miles visibility with thin, high, scattered clouds and most stars visible. The report was filed by TSGT Melvin Lieberman of the 99th Bomb Wing at Westover Air Force Base. The witness initially suggested the object might be the Echo I satellite. However, the report indicates that while the Smithsonian Institute Observatory confirmed Echo I would have been visible at that latitude and time, the reported flight path and elevation did not align with the satellite's expected trajectory. The document concludes with no definitive identification of the object, noting that it appeared to shine by reflected light, as it was brighter at first sight and grew dimmer later. The report emphasizes the credibility of the witness, stating he was a physician who did not appear prone to flights of fancy.
Observer is a physician and does not appear given to flights of fancy.
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Official Assessment
No conclusion as to nature of sighting.
The observer, a physician, reported a bright white light moving across the sky. While the observer initially speculated it might be the Echo I satellite, the report notes that the Smithsonian Institute Observatory confirmed Echo I would have been visible at that latitude and time, though the reported trajectory and elevation differed from the satellite's expected path. No definitive identification was made.
Witnesses
- Dr. [illegible]M.D.
Key Persons
- Melvin LiebermanNCOIC, Combat Intelligence Branch