Red UFO seen in Iowa in 1956

Summary

A red round object was sighted in Odebolt, Iowa, in September 1956. Witnesses described it as the size of a silver dollar at arm's length, moving side to side toward the west and then north. The observation lasted ten minutes before the object disappeared over the horizon. Although initially considered a balloon or aircraft, investigators concluded it was likely an astronomical phenomenon. Arcturus, a bright star, was considered the most plausible explanation. The report, though brief, shows how UFO sightings were documented with care during the Cold War.