Project Blue Book Sighting Report — Duluth, Minnesota, November 1966

On November 2, 1966, a civilian observer in Duluth, Minnesota, reported an unidentified aerial phenomenon. The observer, a 37-year-old male in the advertising business, was at his residence at 3925 Lake Avenue South when he and his wife noticed a star-like object in the eastern sky over Lake Superior. The observation lasted for approximately one hour and 45 minutes. The witness described the object as yellowish-white, roughly 1/20th the size of the full moon, and noted that it appeared to have rays of light rotating out from it, occasionally displaying a short tail. The object remained stationary for most of the observation before moving erratically toward the south and maneuvering in all directions. The witness used an 8x50 objective telescope to observe the phenomenon. He noted that the sky was clear of stars due to the brightness of the moon, and that the object's appearance was comparable to an 'arc-welder's fire.' The witness expressed disappointment that the Air Force did not conduct a closer visual investigation, noting that the phenomenon was within reasonable range and could have been photographed. The Air Force, through Project Blue Book, evaluated the report and concluded that the sighting was likely a local atmospheric disturbance over Lake Superior, given the cold night conditions. The report includes detailed questionnaires completed by the witness, internal Air Force teletype messages, and a follow-up letter from Major Hector Quintanilla, Jr., requesting further information.