Project 10073 Record — Evanston, Illinois, 7 December 1965

This document contains a Project Blue Book record regarding an unidentified aerial observation reported by a civilian in Evanston, Illinois, on December 7, 1965. The witness observed a star-like object moving westward at 6:57 PM for approximately three minutes before it disappeared behind trees. The witness described the object as having a fan-shaped tail of orange sparks that appeared intermittently and noted that the object had white and red flashing lights. The witness, who identified themselves as having slightly less than 20:20 vision and astigmatism, initially suspected the object might be a satellite or a second stage of a rocket, such as a Sputnik or Atlas. The official Air Force conclusion, signed by Major Hector Quintanilla, Jr., determined that the object was likely an aircraft, noting that the hazy atmospheric conditions would cause the aircraft's red and white flashing lights to appear as the witness described. The file includes the original correspondence from the witness to Project Blue Book, the completed U.S. Air Force Technical Information questionnaire, and the official response from the Air Force requesting further information via FTD Form 164.