Red-orange UFO seen near Bakersfield in 1955

Summary

A civilian observer reported in 1955 having seen a bright object with an unusual red-orange color, similar to some neon lights but unlike anything he had seen before. The object appeared to the east, over a desert, and remained still for a few seconds before gradually disappearing, as if being turned off piece by piece. It emitted no sound, smoke, or trail, and the witness tried to pull over to observe it more closely, but by the time he stopped, the object had vanished. The official report concluded there was insufficient data for evaluation, and the detailed testimony of the observer, including sketches and precise descriptions, adds mystery to an experience that did not match known objects.