Project 10073 Record — UFO Sighting, Potsdam, New York, 10 May 1966

On May 10, 1966, two witnesses in Potsdam, New York, reported observing an unidentified aerial phenomenon for approximately 45 minutes. The witnesses, who were in a vehicle, described a greenish-white light that changed to red and white, exhibiting flashing lights and fluctuating altitude. The object was initially estimated to be at an altitude of 1000-2000 feet and was observed moving at speeds of 85-90 mph. The witnesses followed the object until it disappeared behind a cloud bank at 5:10 AM. The report was initially filed with the Potsdam Police Department and subsequently forwarded to the 380th Strategic Aerospace Wing at Plattsburgh Air Force Base. Due to a nine-day delay in receiving the report, the Air Force concluded that no reliable additional information could be obtained. The official evaluation by the Air Force Systems Command (AFSC) Foreign Technology Division (FTD) attributed the sighting to the planet Venus, noting that the planet can appear abnormally large and emit various hues when rising ahead of the sun. The reported movements, such as the up-and-down motion, were attributed to atmospheric refraction, while other apparent movements were suggested to be the result of the observers' own vehicle movement.