Mysterious White Fireballs in Rouen

Summary

In January 1948, Rouen, France, reported the appearance of mysterious white fireballs. This unusual phenomenon made it into local newspapers and caught the attention of U.S. military authorities interested in unidentified aerial phenomena. They requested detailed information to determine if the fireballs were connected to the then-emerging reports of flying saucers.

The inquiry included specific questions: What type of parachutes were used? What aircraft were involved? What caused the white lights? Photographs, precise descriptions, and details about sounds or effects on clouds were also requested. While the document does not provide answers, it highlights the official interest in investigating unexplained aerial events during the Cold War.