Red light UFO hovering over Long Beach

Summary

Three 13-year-old boys reported seeing a red, basketball-sized light in the sky over Long Beach, California, on February 24, 1954. The object appeared stationary for 34 seconds before moving northward, with a white light suddenly appearing on its eastern side. The sighting lasted five minutes and was recorded as a ground visual observation. While the on-duty officer believed the boys had seen an aircraft changing direction, the object's description didn't match a typical aircraft.

The official report lacked photos or radar data, limiting further analysis. The witnesses said they were counting stars in the Big Dipper when they noticed the object. The sudden appearance of the white light added an unusual element to the description. Despite the witnesses' age and lack of technical details, the report concluded it was an aircraft, though the possibility of something else remained.