Yellow-green meteor seen in New Mexico

Summary

In August 1951, an observer in Corong, New Mexico, spotted a luminous object that changed color between yellow, white, orange, and green. The object was round and moved at a speed similar to a modern jet. It remained visible for about 10 seconds, descending from 45 degrees above the horizon to just above it. Although it might initially seem like a UFO, the data align with a meteor. The official evaluation concluded it was a meteor, which fits the described characteristics.

The report, classified under Project 10073, does not include photographs or radar data, but it does provide a detailed visual description. The observer saw it with the naked eye, which rules out identification as a balloon or aircraft. Despite the brief sighting, the data are sufficient to rule out non-natural explanations. This case, though short, is a classic example of how meteors can be misinterpreted as unidentified objects.