UFO sighted near Richland Washington in 1955

Summary

In July 1955, near Richland, Washington, an unidentified aerial object was reported and generated some interest. A pilot described a tear-shaped, silver object that appeared to be a very large balloon with a plastic bottom. Although interception action was taken, the object was at an altitude of over 45,000 feet, far beyond what the pilots could reach. One of the observers was certain it was a balloon.

Authorities confirmed that a balloon was indeed in the area at that altitude. Despite its unusual appearance, the object showed no characteristics of an aircraft or astronomical phenomenon. The balloon description and confirmation of its presence in the area led to the sighting being classified as a balloon. This case is an example of how common objects can be misinterpreted as unexplained phenomena.