UFO sighted in Tempe, Arizona in 1957

Summary

In January 1957, a civilian in Arizona reported a bright object in the sky that remained stationary for five minutes. The testimony indicated that the object was the size of a half-dollar coin and emitted intense light at an altitude of about 30,000 feet. Despite initial attention, investigators concluded it was likely a weather balloon. Several balloon launch sites were nearby, supporting this explanation. The official report did not mention radar or sound, suggesting a typical visual observation of a balloon.

The description of the object as bright and motionless offered few elements to consider it an alien craft or unknown phenomenon. Additionally, the sighting time coincided with regular balloon launches, reinforcing this hypothesis. Although the case was documented in detail, no data challenged conventional explanations. The official report classified it as likely a balloon, closing the case without further investigation.