1952: Laredo AFB, Texas BBU 2202

THINK ABOUTIT SIGHTING REPORT

Date: November 3, 1952

Sighting Time: 6:29 p.m.

Day/Night:

Location:  Laredo AFB, Texas

Urban or Rural: -AFB

Hynek Classification: NL (Nocturnal Light) Point or extended luminous source observed at night.

Duration: 3-4 secs

No. of Object(s): 1

Height & Speed:

Size of Object(s):

Distance to Object(s):

Shape of Object(s): elliptical

Color of Object(s): white-grey light

Number of Witnesses: 2

Source: Berliner

Summary/Description: 2 control tower operators, including Lemaster, saw a long, elliptical, white-grey light fly very fast, pause, and then increase speed. 3-4 secs.

Full Report

Project Blue Book Assessment:

I. Description of Incident

At 1829 CST on 3 November 1952, two control tower operators (Lemaster and one other) at Laredo AFB, Texas, observed a long, elliptical, whitish-gray object approach the AFB from the SE. It appeared to pause south of the base then depart to the SE with an apparent burst of speed. The object was in view from 3 to 4 seconds. No tail or trail was noted.

A T-33 aircraft was in the area but was in sight during the observation.

The weather was given as two layers of scattered and broken clouds at 5,000′ and 10,000′, visibility 12 miles. Wind at surface was NNE at 10 knots.

II. Discussion of Incident

The apparent high speed and length of time in view eliminate the possibility of a balloon or aircraft. Many aspects of this sighting are similar to the description of a meteor. If, however, the object came toward the tower (i.e., from the report it apparently appeared to get larger), then went away, it could not have been a meteor, but since the flight path of an object not going directly overhead is hard to judge, this approach and retreat might be an illusion.

III. Conclusion

Possibly astronomical.