UFO Observation Report — Highland Park, New Jersey, 26 April 1969

This document contains a sighting report and subsequent correspondence regarding an unidentified aerial phenomenon observed on April 26, 1969, in Highland Park, New Jersey. The witness, a 14-year-old student and self-described amateur astronomer, reported observing a bright, whitish-yellow, self-luminous object for approximately 25 seconds. The witness described the object as having sharply outlined edges, resembling a cereal bowl in shape. According to the report, the object remained stationary before moving in an erratic course toward the north-northwest with non-constant speed. The witness noted a very faint buzzing sound and observed that a neighbor's dog seemed to sense the object. The witness also noted that a plane flew by in an easterly direction immediately after the object disappeared. The witness completed an Air Force questionnaire (AF Form 117) on May 15, 1969, providing sketches and detailed descriptions of the event. In the questionnaire, the witness emphasized their calm and rational nature. On May 14, 1969, Lt. Colonel Hector Quintanilla, Jr., of the Air Force's Foreign Technology Division, wrote to the witness, stating that the initial information provided was insufficient for a scientific investigation and requesting the completion of the formal questionnaire. The final conclusion recorded by the Air Force was that the sighting was a 'Possible (BALLOON),' noting that the description was consistent with a garment bag hot air balloon.