UFO seen by pilot over Stockton 1956

Summary

A United Airlines pilot reported a star-shaped object, the size of a pinhead at arm's length, moving at high speed eastward above 9,000 feet. The sighting lasted one minute, with the object fading from view. While the official report suggested it was likely a balloon launched from Vernalis, the pilot's detailed description and the object's trajectory added some uncertainty.

The official file noted that other aircraft and military personnel also reported similar sightings, emphasizing the need for further evaluation. However, the lack of photographic evidence and the ephemeral nature of the event led to classifying it as probably a balloon.