Oval-shaped UFO seen in 1951 in Virginia

Summary

In August 1951, a Navy officer and his wife reported a silvery, oval-shaped object near Alexandria, Virginia. The object was estimated to be 50 feet long and moving at high speed at an altitude between 2000 and 4000 feet. It showed no changes in shape or reflections and left no smoke or noise. The sighting lasted about two minutes, and the object disappeared as it moved away. Although balloon or solar reflection were considered, investigators concluded it was an aircraft, though not matching any known to the witness.

Military authorities analyzed the report and suggested the apparent altitude was incorrect, estimating the object might have been higher. Despite detailed descriptions and images, the object remained unidentified. This case is part of many UFO reports reviewed during the Cold War, as officials sought to explain unusual aerial phenomena.