UFO sighted near Bismarck in 1957

Summary

In February 1957, a woman in Fargo, North Dakota, observed an object emitting red and green lights. The object appeared about 50 miles south of Bismarck and remained visible for 30 minutes. Initially, it stayed in the same direction but increased in elevation. Later, it changed to a dim white light and faded out. Investigators reviewed star charts and astronomical calendars and determined it was not a star or planet. Instead, they concluded it was likely a balloon, as its behavior and description matched expectations.

The sighting was detailed in an official Air Force report, where coordinates, time, and object characteristics were recorded. Although initially considered an unknown object, later analysis ruled that out. The key was comparing the object to Arcturus, a bright star, whose position did not match. Ultimately, it was concluded to be a balloon, which explained its movement and color change.