Project 10073 Record — Sighting Report, Jacksonville, Florida, 26 June 1969

This document contains a Project Blue Book sighting report from 26 June 1969, involving a civilian observer in Jacksonville, Florida. The observer, who identified themselves as a student and member of NICAP with an interest in astronomy and aeronautics, reported seeing a single, white, star-like object moving from the northwest to the southeast. The observer described the object as being 'very bright' and 'little larger than a match head' when held at arm's length. The observation lasted approximately three minutes. The observer provided a detailed questionnaire, including sketches of the object's path and its position relative to the horizon. The Air Force initially requested that the observer complete an AF Form 117 for further scientific investigation. Following the submission of the report, Lt. Col. Hector Quintanilla, Jr., Chief of the Aerial Phenomena Office, responded to the observer on 28 July 1969. The official conclusion provided by the Air Force was that the object was 'probably a satellite,' noting that there are over 1,700 objects in space, with approximately 64 visible to the naked eye. The document also includes internal Air Force correspondence, including a memorandum from 'Jo T.' describing the report as a 'PR gesture' and questioning the ground rules for handling reports from children.