Saginaw 1955, Rectangular object and Arcturus

Summary

In August 1955, an observer in Saginaw, Michigan, spotted a rectangular object with a white center and red and green sides. The object made no sound and was sometimes stationary. It appeared regularly after 23:00, at a bearing of 290 degrees. The initial report considered the possibility of a weather balloon, but it was ruled out. Eventually, investigators concluded the object was astronomical, identifying it as the star Arcturus, which was in the same direction and elevation as the sighting.

Arcturus, one of the brightest stars in the night sky, set about two hours after the sighting, at a bearing of 305 degrees. Weather conditions were clear, with a temperature of 70 degrees Fahrenheit and high humidity. Although the report didn't include photos or radar data, binoculars helped confirm the object's precise location. The case was resolved as an astronomical phenomenon, ending speculation about an unexplained event.