Project 10073 Record Card and Incoming Staff Message — Denver, Colorado, 25 November 1961

On 25 November 1961, at 1020 Zulu, an unidentified aerial phenomenon was observed over Denver, Colorado. The incident was documented via a Project 10073 record card and a subsequent Air Force staff message. Witnesses, whose identities are partially redacted, described a large, irregular-shaped object that appeared as a blue flash, leaving an orange trail. The object was estimated to be 16 inches across and was described as looking like a 'squashed out football.' During the 4 to 5-second observation, the object was seen to travel parallel to the earth before exploding into two separate pieces. The witnesses' reliability was noted as unknown. Meteorological data for the time indicated calm surface conditions with varying winds at higher altitudes. The official conclusion reached by the evaluating authorities, specifically the Aerospace Technical Intelligence Center, was that the sighting was an astronomical event, specifically the explosion of a bolide-type meteor. This conclusion was based on the color, duration, and flight characteristics reported by the witnesses, which were deemed consistent with such a phenomenon. No radar contact was reported, and no photographic evidence was obtained. The report was processed through the Department of the Air Force staff message branch and distributed to various intelligence and command units, including the Aerospace Technical Intelligence Center and the Office of the Secretary of the Air Force.