UFO sighted by radar at Wurtsmith AFB, Michigan

Summary

An officer at Wurtsmith Air Force Base in Michigan reported an unidentified object in January 1956. The object was detected by radar by an F-89D aircraft, which maintained contact for two minutes, indicating an approach speed of 50 knots. The object then began to climb and disappeared from the radar. Control tower operators noticed it due to its unusual appearance. Analysis suggested it could be a balloon with a radar reflector. Balloons often go unnoticed by pilots, fitting the description.

A second report detailed a visual sighting of a round, elongated object that changed color from milky white to dull green and then bright red. It left no trail or exhaust and faded away. Although a balloon was considered, the data was insufficient for a conclusive evaluation. Observers included ground personnel and a pilot, and meteorological and astronomical conditions were analyzed, but no definitive explanation was reached.