Project 10073 Record Card — Westover AFB, Massachusetts, 13 July 1962

On July 13, 1962, at 0133Z, MSGT James C. Peters of the 99th Bomb Wing observed an unidentified aerial object near the corner of Pendleton Avenue and McKennie Road at Westover Air Force Base, Massachusetts. The witness, described as a stable and reliable observer with 17 years of active duty, reported seeing a white, star-sized object that flashed four times as it moved across the sky. The object traveled from a 40-degree elevation at 170 degrees, passing through the zenith to a 40-degree elevation at 350 degrees. The observation lasted approximately four seconds. The witness noted that the object was not visible when it was not flashing and that it disappeared into the haze. Weather conditions at the time included broken clouds, haze, and smoke, with visibility at six miles. MSGT Peters suggested the object was the last stage of a satellite booster in a near-polar orbit, noting that a tumbling motion would account for the flashing light effect. He explicitly stated he was sure it was not an aircraft. The investigation, conducted by TSGT M. Lieberman of the Combat Intelligence Branch, concluded that the object was likely a meteor, noting that the arc of 100 degrees in four seconds was consistent with meteor speeds at altitude. The investigator ultimately concurred with the witness's assessment of a satellite booster, citing a lack of evidence to the contrary and the absence of a radar return.