Project 10073 Record Card and Correspondence Regarding UFO Sighting in Kenema, Sierra Leone

This document collection details a UFO sighting reported by a British graduate volunteer science teacher residing in Kenema, Sierra Leone, on November 27, 1963. The witness observed an object moving from the West at 19:25 GMT, noting that it traveled at a speed typical of a low-flying aircraft and emitted light at regular intervals. The witness described the object as having a large, bright halo, which appeared larger than the moon's halo, and noted that the light was dispersed by slight cloud cover, creating an impression of ripples. The event caused significant local concern, with residents reportedly sleeping in the mosque or dancing until dawn. The report was processed under Project 10073. Official military correspondence from the Foreign Technology Division at Wright-Patterson Air Force Base confirms that the sighting was identified as the launch of an Atlas/Centaur-2 missile from Cape Canaveral, which was intended to place a satellite into orbit. The object was also observed passing over Monrovia, Liberia. Major Maston M. Jacks of the USAF Public Information Division formally replied to the witness on December 19, 1963, explaining the nature of the object and expressing regret for the undue consternation it caused.