Project 10073 Record: UFO Observation, 2 January 1968, Castle Rock, Colorado

This document collection details the investigation of a UFO sighting reported in Castle Rock, Colorado, on January 2, 1968. The initial report, filed under Project 10073, describes a large, egg-shaped, cream-colored, transparent object approximately 50 feet long and 20 feet wide, observed at an altitude of 50 to 75 feet. The witness, a civilian, reported that the object hovered over power lines near the Rea Building, illuminated the area with a circle of lights, and then moved north before rapidly ascending and disappearing. The Air Force, through the Aerial Phenomena Office at Wright-Patterson Air Force Base, initiated an investigation, requesting further details from the Douglas County Sheriff and the witness. The investigation eventually determined that the object was a homemade hot air balloon. Press reports from The Denver Post, included in the file, confirm that the object was constructed by two teenagers, Tom and Jack Dietrich, using a clear plastic dry cleaning bag, balsa wood, and birthday candles. The boys had launched the device as an experiment. Despite the initial confusion and the witness's report of a large, mysterious object, the investigation concluded that the sighting was a misidentification of this homemade craft. The documents include official correspondence, a project record form, and newspaper clippings documenting the resolution of the incident.