UFO Sighting Report — Anaheim, California, 7 May 1965

On May 7, 1965, an electronic engineer employed by North American Aviation in Downey, California, observed an unidentified object in the sky over Anaheim. The witness, who had extensive experience in the aerospace field including work on Project Apollo and at various Air Force bases, reported seeing a bright, bluish-white object that appeared to be disc-shaped. The object was observed for approximately four minutes. It initially moved slowly in a southerly direction before accelerating rapidly, changing course to the southeast, and climbing out of sight. The witness noted that the object carried its own light source and appeared to twinkle. Dr. J. Allen Hynek, acting as an investigator for Project Blue Book, conducted a telephone interview with the witness on May 13, 1965. Following this discussion, Dr. Hynek concluded that the sighting was likely a satellite, noting that the object's behavior—specifically its fading and apparent climb—could be explained by a satellite entering the Earth's shadow. The witness expressed a desire to report the incident to the Air Force despite a fear of ridicule, emphasizing his role as a responsible citizen.