🇺🇸 USAF — Project Blue Book
In August 1956, a witness in Hosperus, Colorado, observed a yellowish funnel-shaped object for over an hour. The object initially appeared directly overhead and, after remaining stationary, began moving southeast while ascending. Although wind patterns did not exactly match its course, the object's characteristics led investigators to conclude it was likely a balloon. The sighting was reported by a civilian and no photos were taken, but the extended observation time and the object's behavior were key to the evaluation.
The duration, ascent, size, and color of the object were decisive factors in ruling out other possibilities such as aircraft or astronomical phenomena. Despite the lack of wind correlation, the available data supported the conclusion that it was a balloon. This case, though without a detailed report, was processed in Salt Lake City and classified as likely a balloon. The final evaluation left no room for more mysterious interpretations, closing the case with a conventional explanation.