Oval UFO with peripheral light seen in 1956

Summary

In October 1956, an unidentified object was observed near Merced, California. The report describes an oval-shaped object with a bright white light emitting from its sides, but not from the top or bottom. Witnesses included both civilians and military personnel, and the sighting occurred in two instances: one instantaneous and another lasting 15 seconds. Despite multiple analyses, the data was insufficient to determine its exact nature.

Authorities considered several possibilities: from a balloon, an aircraft, an astronomical phenomenon to a searchlight. However, the lack of lateral movement and the description of the light ruled out some hypotheses. Ultimately, the report concluded that there was not enough information for a conclusive evaluation, leaving this case as one of the unresolved UFO mysteries in history.