Unidentified Spherical Object in 1949

Summary

In March 1949, a soldier in New Mexico observed an unidentified flying object. The report describes a spherical yellow object, twice the size of a car's headlight, moving at high speed from east to west. The observer, Cpl. Paul Hutchinson, had no prior experience with sightings and there were no photographs or witnesses. The object left no trail and made no sound. The observation occurred between 22:00 and 22:15 at a road intersection on Kirtland Base. Estimates suggest the object was at an elevation of 30 to 40 degrees.

The report was classified by the army and sent to various offices for analysis. Although precise trajectory measurements were not available, direction and approximate speed were recorded. The object showed no maneuverability and followed a horizontal path. This case is an example of the many unidentified object reports during the Cold War, a time when technology and surveillance were rapidly evolving.