UFO Observation Report — Vista, California, February 1968

This document contains a sighting report and subsequent investigation regarding an unidentified aerial phenomenon observed in Vista, California, on February 2, 1968. The primary witness, a secretary, reported that her son and husband observed a bright gold object while pulling up to their home in a car at approximately 9:00 PM. The witness described the object as having a shape similar to a car cupola, with sharp edges and a halo effect, and noted that it appeared to have portholes along a central belt. The object was estimated to be 5-8 miles distant and was in sight for approximately 5 to 8 minutes before disappearing behind trees and over the horizon. The witness noted that the object was self-luminous and brighter than the moon. The investigation, conducted by the Aerial Phenomena Office (Project Blue Book) under Major Hector Quintanilla, Jr., involved gathering weather data from the Environmental Technical Applications Center. The final conclusion reached by the Air Force was that a hot air balloon was a possible explanation for the observation, citing wind conditions at the time. The file includes the completed Sighting of Unidentified Phenomena Questionnaire, sketches of the object, and correspondence requesting weather data to assist in the evaluation.