Project 10073 Record — Whitesboro, New York, July 1964

This document contains a series of records and correspondence regarding a UFO sighting report filed by a civilian in Whitesboro, New York, in July 1964. The witness, who identified as an amateur astronomer, reported observing strange aerial phenomena on the nights of July 26 and July 27, 1964. The witness described the objects as appearing brighter than any star, moving in a northern direction, pausing at intervals, and then accelerating at high speeds. The witness initially wrote to the Project Blue Book Information Officer at the Pentagon on March 31, 1964, requesting general information on UFOs, and subsequently submitted the specific sighting report in July. The Foreign Technology Division (FTD) of the Air Force Systems Command evaluated the report and concluded that the objects observed were the Echo I and Echo II satellites. Major Maston M. Jacks of the Public Information Division formally responded to the witness on August 17, 1964, explaining that the apparent erratic movement, including the objects appearing to stop or slow down, was an optical effect caused by viewing the satellites from the ground as they passed through the zenith and began their descent along their orbital arcs. The file includes the original Project 10073 record form, the witness's letters, and the official Air Force response.