UFO sighted by pilot in 1957 170 miles from California

Summary

In May 1957, a U.S. Air Force pilot reported spotting two UFOs 170 miles southwest of Santa Rosa Island, California. The objects were round, basketball-sized, and orange in color. One passed over the aircraft at 10,000 feet, while the other passed underneath at 8,000 feet. The pilot initially mistook them for afterburner glows from an F-102 jet but could not confirm their identity.

The sighting lasted about 30 seconds and occurred at dawn. Although no photos or radar were used, the pilot described the trajectory and appearance in detail. The official conclusion was that it was likely an aircraft, but the data was insufficient for a definitive analysis. This case is part of a historical archive showing how observers of the time tried to explain unidentified aerial phenomena with the knowledge available.