Project 10073 Record Card — Danbury, Conn. October 1961

This document contains a U.S. Air Force Project 10073 record card and associated correspondence regarding a sighting of an unidentified aerial phenomenon near Danbury, Connecticut, in October 1961. The primary witness, a 17-year-old high school student, reported observing a glowing, pinkish-orange, round object approximately 5-8 feet in diameter while traveling with his father. The object was observed at a distance of about 20 feet and remained in sight for approximately 10 minutes before disappearing. The witness described the object as having no definite edges, appearing more like a form of gas than a solid structure, and noted that it made no sound. The witness also claimed to have seen the same phenomenon on a previous occasion. The Air Force investigation, led by Major William T. Coleman, Jr., concluded that the sighting was likely attributable to 'ball lightning.' This conclusion was supported by reference to a 1951 paper by a Swedish scientist, which posited that ball lightning could manifest in the sizes described and exhibit reddish coloration. The documentation includes the original record card, a letter from the Air Force requesting further information, and a detailed narrative provided by the witness in subsequent correspondence. The witness expressed significant distress regarding the sightings, noting that they had occurred twice and that he was seeking a logical explanation to alleviate his fears. The Air Force provided the standard technical information sheets for the witness to complete, which were returned in early 1962. The file also contains a diagram of the object and a summary of the witness's observations, emphasizing the lack of sound, the glowing appearance, and the object's ability to change colors and move at high speeds during the initial encounter.