Project 10073 Record: UFO Observation, 21 October 1969, Twin Falls, Idaho

This document contains the investigation file for a UFO sighting reported on 21 October 1969, near Twin Falls, Idaho. The witness, a civilian living on a rural farm, reported that while driving a tractor, the vehicle's headlights and radio failed. Subsequently, the witness observed a large light rising over the horizon, followed by a smaller, brighter light that rose from within the larger one. The witness described the object as self-luminous, pulsing, and changing colors, with a twisting movement. The sighting lasted approximately six to seven minutes. The investigation, conducted by TSgt Theodore C. Ackley of the 67th Security Police Squadron, included interviews with local law enforcement and checks with the Twin Falls Municipal Airport and the U.S. Weather Bureau. The official conclusion reached by the Air Force was that the sighting was caused by a Minuteman rocket launched from Vandenberg AFB, California, at 1939 PST (2139 MDT), which occurred within six minutes of the reported sighting time. The Air Force stated there was no evidence linking the visual sighting to the electrical failures experienced by the witness. The investigator noted that the area had been experiencing mysterious fires, leading local farmers to maintain night vigilance, which provided context for the witness's observation at that hour.