Project 10073 Record Card — Sighting Report 15 March 1963

On 15 March 1963, at approximately 0705Z, personnel aboard the USS Durant observed an unidentified blinking white light at dusk. The sighting occurred at coordinates 03.45S 168.19W in the Pacific. The object was observed by the Officer of the Deck, the Junior Officer of the Deck, and a lookout, all of whom were noted as having excellent performance. The observation lasted for 15 minutes. The light was described as blinking, with the light remaining on for approximately 1/2 second at a time, followed by irregular intervals of darkness, including specific intervals timed at 35 seconds and 20 seconds. The object was sighted at zero elevation on the horizon. Weather conditions in the area included warm temperatures, rain squalls, and 4/10 cloud cover with 7 miles visibility. The observers used 7x50 binoculars. The official conclusion reached by the evaluating committee was that the data was insufficient to identify the object. It was noted that the duration was considered too long for an aircraft sighting but too short for a surface vessel. The committee stated that while there was nothing to indicate the object was anything other than a conventional item, it was impossible to determine exactly what that item was.