UFO Report (Msg 90SD-10615 Feb 67)

This document is a collection of reports and correspondence regarding an unidentified aerial phenomenon observed on January 22, 1967, in the vicinity of Johnston Island and Hawaii. Multiple observers, including Air Force personnel stationed at the Sand Island Baker-Nunn facility and a Coast Guard observer, reported seeing an object that appeared as a bright, silver, slightly elongated shape with a circular corona. The object was initially described as the size of a golf ball, growing to the size of a softball, and exhibiting behaviors such as hovering, rapid climbing, and a tumbling or spinning motion. Some observers noted a vapor ring and electrical flashes. The sighting was captured on film by a USAF SPACETRACK Baker-Nunn camera, though the resulting film contained static marks attributed to personnel error. Following an investigation, the Air Force concluded that the sighting was likely caused by an Atlas missile launch from Vandenberg AFB, which occurred at 22/1544Z on the same day. The report includes statements from several witnesses, technical details regarding the camera settings, and correspondence indicating that the findings were shared with Dr. Condon at the University of Colorado for further review. The document highlights the confusion caused by the sighting, noting that it generated significant local publicity and was initially mistaken for a UFO.