Unidentified Aerial Object Sighted in Rossville, Georgia

Summary

In September 1956, a witness in Rossville, Georgia, observed a round, silver object that appeared to reflect sunlight. The object, described as about two-thirds the size of a full moon, was seen for three to six minutes while moving from the southeast to the northwest. It disappeared behind some trees. Initially thought to be a balloon, the analysis later suggested it was likely a high-altitude aircraft. The object's description and behavior led analysts to conclude it was not an astronomical phenomenon or a balloon.

The sighting was recorded on an official form and considered to be an object traveling at 600 to 800 miles per hour at about 30,000 feet altitude. Despite the relatively long observation time, no photos were taken. The final conclusion was that the object was probably an aircraft, although it was not identified with certainty. This case is an example of how UFO reports were evaluated during the Cold War, often explained as conventional objects.