UFO identified as Venus in 1956

Summary

A witness in Samish Island, Washington, reported a round, bright red object the size of a penny held at arm's length, seen at a 15-degree elevation in the northwest. The phenomenon was observed for at least 1 hour and 30 minutes through binoculars, with no photographs taken. The duration and exact location of the object matched the position of Venus at that time. Investigators concluded that the sighting was not a balloon, aircraft, or unknown phenomenon, but clearly attributable to the planet.

The witness, Mrs. Mach Baker, observed the object from about 100 feet above Mount Constitution. Although similar sightings had occurred in the area before, this case was clearly documented and analyzed. The report mentions that other similar sightings had happened previously but were not always reported. In this case, the coincidence with Venus and the detailed description allowed for a clear resolution of the mystery.