Eyewitness account from an air traffic controller in Boston

Summary

An air traffic controller at Logan International Airport in Boston observed a series of unidentified lights on the night of April 7, 1950. The witness, an experienced aviation professional, described how a deep blue light appeared to the east of the control tower and moved at what seemed like a conventional speed. Using binoculars, he noticed the light had no defined shape, only a blurred pattern. The light changed color to white and then split into two blue lights that began to orbit each other. One of the lights moved horizontally from southwest to northeast, maintaining a conventional trajectory. The controller contacted other towers but found no aircraft in the area. Later, he observed a bright red glow that lasted about 10 to 15 seconds before disappearing. Despite his extensive aviation background, he could not identify the phenomenon with any known aircraft, leading him to consider meteorological explanations, though these were not fully satisfactory.

The controller explained that he had ruled out searchlights or atmospheric reflections due to the cloud height and lack of visible beams. He also noted that the phenomenon was not subjective, as other controllers observed it simultaneously. Although he did not file an official report, he felt the case was similar enough to other sightings to justify submitting it, despite the risk of being ignored or ridiculed.