Project 10073 Record — Sighting in Petersburg, Virginia, 12 June 1966

On June 12, 1966, a civilian witness in Petersburg, Virginia, reported observing an unidentified aerial phenomenon. The witness, a former U.S. Navy aviation machinist, was walking to his garage when he noticed a dull, reddish-orange object moving from the west-southwest toward the east-northeast. He estimated the object's size to be larger than Venus and its speed to be approximately 600 MPH at an altitude between 10,000 and 15,000 feet. The witness noted that the object's color intensity fluctuated between red and orange. He observed the object for approximately five minutes, noting that it did not appear to follow the curvature of the earth and eventually slowed to a stop before fading from view. The witness reported no sound and stated that the object appeared solid. He compared the appearance to a jet exhaust at low altitude, though he noted the color and behavior were distinct. The official conclusion recorded on the Project 10073 record form identifies the object as a satellite, with a handwritten note instructing to 'check sat. shed.' The witness also mentioned a previous sighting in 1947 in Petersburg, where he observed a larger circular object with a bluish flame and tail.