Project 10073 Record: Sighting at Cannon AFB, New Mexico, 3 October 1965

On 3 October 1965, at approximately 0400Z, MSGT Henry B. Hoadley of the Supply Squadron at Cannon Air Force Base, New Mexico, reported a sighting of an unidentified aerial object. The witness, whose reliability was estimated as average, observed the object for 25 minutes using 7x50 binoculars. He described the object as circular, varying in size from a dime to a quarter at arm's length, and appearing in colors ranging from brilliant white to orange. The object reportedly featured a center with an orange ray surrounding it and emitted bright flashes of white. According to the report, the object performed a figure-eight pattern and spiraled in a specific area, moving from the horizon to approximately 20 degrees of elevation at an azimuth between 280 and 285 degrees. The object eventually faded out into the western horizon. Weather conditions at the time were reported as clear with no clouds. Extensive checks were conducted by the 832D Air Division, including inquiries with the 2040th Communications Squadron (RAPCON), the base control tower, the State Police, the Clovis Police, and the FAA in Tucumcari; all reported negative results regarding aircraft in the area. The official conclusion reached by the project was that the object was the star Arcturus. The investigating officer, 2LT Frank G. Hartmen, Jr., noted that the duration of the sighting and the object's behavior—which he compared to a rotating light or beacon—should have logically attracted the attention of other observers, yet no other reports were filed.