UFO seen in Marshalltown Iowa in 1955

Summary

In October 1955, a witness in Marshalltown, Iowa, reported seeing a round, white object the size of a basketball. He observed it for ten minutes with binoculars, noting it remained in the same place, though it may have moved north. The report mentions several possibilities, including a balloon, aircraft, or astronomical phenomenon. Ultimately, it was concluded to be likely a balloon, possibly launched by the University of Minnesota or General Mills.

The document includes multiple evaluations and conclusions, with differing opinions on the object's nature. Although aircraft and astronomical explanations were considered, the analysis points to a balloon as the most probable. The observer's description aligns with typical balloon characteristics, supporting this conclusion. The report also shows how sightings were documented at the time, with multiple categories and evaluations by different officers.