Blue-gray meteor observed in Santa Monica

Summary

In December 1956, a witness in Santa Monica, California, reported seeing two bright flat circular objects the size of ping pong balls. These objects moved extremely fast in a straight line and disappeared from view within three to five seconds. The sighting was documented as part of an official report, though no photographs were taken. The report concluded that the description, duration, and manner of disappearance were consistent with a falling star or comet.

The report classified the phenomenon as an astronomical meteor, ruling out other possibilities such as balloons or aircraft. Although there was no direct visual confirmation, the available data supported a natural explanation. This case is an example of how civilian observers reported unidentified aerial phenomena, many of which turned out to be explainable natural events.