Cigar-shaped UFO in Cedar Rapids 1955

Summary

In September 1955, an observer in Cedar Rapids, Iowa, sighted a cylindrical object approximately 25 feet long with an intense orange glow. The object remained stationary for three minutes before disappearing silently. Although initially considered a balloon or astronomical phenomenon, the investigation concluded it was likely an aircraft. The sighting time coincided with the landing of a Beechcraft Bonanza, and the orange color could have been reflected by city lights. There was no radar contact and no evidence of balloon or astronomical activity.