Project 10073 Record Card — Sighting of August 8, 1963

This document contains the records and correspondence regarding a UFO sighting reported by a civilian passenger on a flight from Washington D.C. to Miami, Florida, on August 8, 1963. The witness described observing a long, bar-shaped object, red on the bottom and yellow on the top, which remained in a fixed position relative to the aircraft for approximately 40 minutes before disappearing at dusk. The witness, who was initially uncertain if the object was a sunset or a natural phenomenon, sought identification from the flight stewardess and later reported the event to the Air Force. The Air Force, through Major Maston M. Jacks of the Public Information Division, investigated the report and concluded that the object was a parhelion, commonly known as a 'sundog' or 'mock sun.' The correspondence includes the witness's detailed questionnaire responses, where she noted the object appeared in a clear sky, and the Air Force's subsequent explanations citing Dr. Donald H. Menzel's book, 'The World of Flying Saucers.' The witness continued to correspond with the Air Force, expressing interest in other aerial phenomena and seeking further clarification on the nature of the sighting.