Spherical UFO sighted over Grand Rapids in 1952

Summary

In April 1952, an air traffic controller in Grand Rapids, Michigan, received a report about a bright, spherical object moving rapidly across the sky. The witness, an employee of the Civil Aeronautics Administration, described the object as the size of a ping pong ball held at arm's length. He observed it following an arched path toward the southeast without leaving a trail or making noise. The object was visible for about 17 seconds and covered five-eighths of the sky. Although balloon or aircraft were considered, no air traffic was recorded in the area. The high speed and lack of sound led investigators to suggest it might be an astronomical phenomenon.

The official report concluded it was likely an astronomical event, though other possibilities were not ruled out. The document was initially classified, downgraded every three years, and declassified after twelve. Despite limited data, the witness's testimony was detailed and consistent, adding intrigue to the case. The object was not detected by radar or other means, further complicating its identification.