UFO Sighting Report — Washington, D.C., 21 February 1965

On February 21, 1965, a 33-year-old chemical engineer reported a sighting of an unidentified aerial object near Falls Church, Virginia. The witness, who was described by the investigating officer as sober and reliable, observed the object for one hour and fifteen minutes through a bedroom window. He initially mistook the object for a star, noting it was yellowish in color and appeared as large as an aircraft, though no specific shape was discernable. The witness reported that the object moved toward the southeast, performed lateral movements, and ascended slightly from an initial 80-degree elevation. The object was also described as moving in and out of clouds. The witness initially contacted the Virginia State Police, who then referred the matter to the 1001st Air Base Wing at Andrews Air Force Base. The duty officer, Captain Robert E. Raynor, Jr., attempted to locate the object but was unsuccessful. The investigation concluded that the object was likely the star Arcturus, which was positioned at a 45-degree elevation in the East at the time. The reported movement was attributed to optical illusions. Additionally, the report notes that a weather balloon had been released from Washington National Airport around the same time, which was observed by tower personnel at Andrews AFB, and the investigator suggested this might have been the source of the sighting.