Summary of Observations of Aerial Phenomena in the New Mexico Area, December 1948 – May 1950

This document is a comprehensive summary report from the 17th District Office of Special Investigations (OSI) of the United States Air Force, dated May 25, 1950. It details the systematic collection and analysis of aerial phenomena sightings in the New Mexico area from December 1948 through May 1950. The report was prepared for Brigadier General Joseph F. Carroll, Director of Special Investigations at Headquarters USAF. The document establishes that the frequency of these sightings, which occurred primarily in the vicinity of sensitive military and government installations, required a formal, organized reporting structure. The phenomena were categorized into three distinct types: green fireballs, discs or variations, and meteoric events. The report highlights the involvement of Dr. Lincoln LaPaz, Director of the Institute of Meteoritics at the University of New Mexico, who served as a consultant for the investigation. Dr. LaPaz provided detailed analyses of the sightings, noting that the green fireballs exhibited characteristics—such as horizontal flight paths and low altitudes—that distinguished them from typical meteors. The report includes a graph comparing the frequency of observations of meteors, green fireballs, and discs. A significant portion of the document is dedicated to the scientific study of these events, including the establishment of 'Project Twinkle,' a 24-hour watch program designed to photograph and analyze the phenomena. The report also contains correspondence and internal memoranda regarding the potential origin of these objects, with some experts suggesting they could be of foreign origin, specifically guided missiles launched from the Ural region of the USSR, although this remained a hypothesis. The document also includes various individual sighting reports, correspondence with the public, and internal FBI communications regarding the handling of 'flying saucer' reports, emphasizing that the Air Force maintained primary jurisdiction over these investigations. The report concludes by reiterating the necessity of continued scientific study due to the ongoing nature of the sightings near sensitive installations.