UFO identified as Arcturus in 1955

Summary

In September 1955, a witness in Bellingham, Washington, reported a round, luminous object ranging from white to red. The sighting lasted so long that the observer was still watching it at the time of the report. Although it could initially seem like an aerial or balloon phenomenon, astronomical data matched the position of Arcturus, a bright star visible in the night sky. The lack of noise, trail, and constant movement supported this conclusion. The official report classified it as an astronomical event, ruling out other possibilities.

The document, part of Project 10073, includes observations from local air control, which did not record any aircraft activity in the area. Although an F-36D aircraft is mentioned as a possible explanation, the final analysis pointed to a stellar explanation. This case is an example of how UFO reports are often resolved with natural or astronomical explanations, even though they generated interest and analysis by military authorities at the time.