Unidentified Aerial Object photographed in Datil, New Mexico

Summary

In February 1950, U.S. Air Force Corporal Lertis S. Stanfield observed an unidentified aerial object in Datil, New Mexico. The phenomenon was seen on two separate nights, February 24 and 25, and remained visible for over three hours on the first night. The object, described as a bright, round light, changed colors between red and green and was photographed several times. Despite the photographs taken for analysis, experts could not identify its nature or explain its behavior.

The photographs showed a clearly visible object without any signs of exhaust or discernible structure. The object moved in a straight line toward the northwest, showing no signs of instability. Despite comparisons with conventional objects, no matches were found. The report concluded that there was no clear explanation, and the photographic records were sent to Wright-Patterson AFB for further analysis. This observation became one of many that fueled official interest in UFOs during the 1950s.