Circular UFO sighted by experienced pilot in Maryland

Summary

An experienced pilot with 13 years of service reported a circular object with radiating light beams moving from east to southeast. Seen from the ground, the object appeared directly over Hillcrest Heights, Maryland, between Bolling and Andrews Air Force Bases. The observer, a major in the Air Force, described it as star-like, with a white light tinged yellow. While hovering, it seemed to dart during lateral movements. The sighting lasted two minutes, and the witness was certain it was not an aircraft. Weather conditions were ideal (CAVU), making conventional identification even harder.

The Air Force concluded there was insufficient data to evaluate the case. Despite the observer's experience, the object could not be confirmed as a balloon, astronomical phenomenon, or anything else. This report is part of Project 10073, an Air Force initiative to investigate UFO sightings during the Cold War. The testimony, though detailed, lacks information on how the object disappeared, adding mystery to an already intriguing case.