Project 10073 Record: Sighting in Long Branch, N. J., 31 March 1966

This document details a Project Blue Book investigation into a civilian sighting of an unidentified flying object in Long Branch, New Jersey, on March 31, 1966. The witness, identified as Miss Desmond, reported observing an elliptical object at approximately 7:30 PM. She described the object as being darker than the surrounding sky, spinning rapidly in a counter-clockwise direction. The object featured four alternating blue-white lights across its front, with additional lights on the top and bottom, one of which appeared slightly pink. The witness, who noted she had been studying astronomy, attempted to measure the object's position using a protractor as an amateur astrolabe, estimating its elevation at 50 degrees. The object was observed for approximately 15 minutes as it slowly waned and moved toward the west, disappearing by 7:45 PM. The witness provided a sketch of the object with her report. Major Hector Quintanilla, Jr., Chief of Project Blue Book, responded to the witness on May 25, 1966, stating that the information provided in her initial letter of May 11, 1966, was insufficient for a formal evaluation. He requested that she complete and return an attached FTD Form 164. Because the form was not returned within 30 days, the official conclusion for the case was recorded as 'Insufficient Data,' with a note that the sighting would be reevaluated if the form were eventually returned.