PROJECT 10073 RECORD - Cannon AFB, New Mexico - 22 Mar 66

On March 22, 1966, a sighting of an unidentified aerial phenomenon was reported at Cannon Air Force Base, New Mexico. The observation was made by an Air Traffic Controller, A1C Stanley J. Lupinske, III, who reported seeing a single, circular, and very bright object. The object, which shifted in color from orange to blue-white, was observed for a duration of two hours, beginning at approximately 0500 MST. The witness described the object as having a steady rise from the horizon and appearing to move toward the observer. As sunrise occurred at 0555 MST, the object began to diminish in intensity while continuing to rise. The incident was documented under Project 10073 and processed as a staff message by the Department of the Air Force. Following an investigation by 2LT John N. McKeehan, Jr., an Intelligence Officer with the 27th Tactical Fighter Wing, the object was officially identified as the planet Venus. This conclusion was reached after consulting with a weather officer and the Air Almanac, which confirmed that Venus would have been in the reported position at the time of the sighting.