Project 10073 Record: Sighting Report 10 July 1966, Ryukyuan Islands

On 10 July 1966, at approximately 1102Z, five military personnel stationed at Detachment 1, 623rd AC&W Squadron on Miyako Jima, Ryukyuan Islands, observed an unidentified aerial phenomenon. The witnesses, including MSgt Jack O. Cain, A1C Robert J. Conroy, SSgt Timothy C. Esteep, TSgt William L. Goff, and TSgt William M. King, all described the object as a round, tubular entity, similar in appearance to a missile. The object was initially observed as bluish-green before rapidly changing to an orange color. It was estimated to be larger than an aircraft, with an apparent size comparable to a quarter held at arm's length. The object maintained a straight flight path from the north to the south-southeast, with no turns or maneuvers, and produced no sound. The duration of the sighting was between 12 and 15 seconds, with an estimated altitude between 10,000 and 20,000 feet. The speed was reported as ranging from 300 knots to very high speeds. Despite the observation, there was no radar contact of the object. The weather conditions at the time were noted as having very light clouds. Following the report, an investigation was conducted by the Intelligence Division of the 51st Fighter Interceptor Wing at Naha Air Base, Okinawa. The investigation included a check with SPADATS regarding potential satellite decay. While it was confirmed that Object 2302 (1966-59H) decayed on the date of the sighting, SPADATS could not provide a specific location for the decay. Ultimately, the investigating officers concluded that the object was not an aircraft or a balloon, and given the extreme brilliance and the short duration of the sighting, they determined it was likely a meteor.