Project 10073 Record — Sighting in Gregory, Texas, 3 August 1965

On 3 August 1965, a civilian observer, identified as a 58-year-old deputy sheriff named Mr. Hobbs, reported an unidentified aerial phenomenon near Gregory, Texas. The observation began at approximately 1850 local time and lasted for two and a half hours. The witness, using 7x35 and 7x50 binoculars, described the object as a multi-colored, round, kite-like shape that resembled a bat. The object reportedly remained stationary at an estimated altitude of 3,000 to 4,000 feet, occasionally appearing to spin, climb, and emit different colors, including black, orange, red, and blue, with a distinct yellow light on top. The object was reported to have moved in a southward direction. The witness contacted the Corpus Christi Naval Air Station to report the sighting. An official Air Force message, dated 6 August 1965, documents the incident under Project 10073. The investigating officer, 2 Lt Michael Muggill, noted that a weather balloon had been launched from the Corpus Christi Naval Air Station at 1700 local time. The final conclusion recorded on the project form identifies the object as the planet Venus, noting that it was setting at the time of disappearance and possessed characteristics consistent with an astronomical report. However, the internal message also suggests the possibility that the observer may have been viewing the weather balloon launched earlier that evening.