Project J0073 Record Card and Correspondence Regarding 17 May 1964 Sighting

This document collection details a UFO sighting report filed under Project J0073. On May 17, 1964, two witnesses in New York City observed a bright white star-like object moving rapidly from the south toward the zenith. The object appeared to remain stationary at the zenith for several minutes before continuing its northerly path and disappearing into horizon haze. The witnesses, who were conducting amateur astronomy using a 3 1/2 inch Questar telescope, initially assumed the object was the ECHO I satellite. Following the report, the Air Force Office of Information, specifically Major Maston M. Jacks, corresponded with the witnesses. Initially, there was confusion regarding the timing of the satellite's transit, which Major Jacks acknowledged as an error in calculation. Subsequent analysis confirmed that the object was indeed the ECHO I satellite. The Air Force concluded that the perceived stationary period was an optical illusion caused by the conditions of observation, noting that the satellite's flight path was continuous. The file includes the original record card, correspondence between the Air Force and the witnesses (who were associated with the Republic Aviation Corporation), and internal Air Force routing slips.