Spherical UFO sighted over Peoria in 1957

Summary

In July 1957, a witness in Peoria, Illinois, observed two silver, spherical objects for two hours. One was five miles behind the other and appeared to have a red light. The witness used 7x binoculars and described the sky as clear with few clouds. Arcturus, a bright star, was reported in the same location, raising speculation about whether it was a star or a group of stars. However, the apparent size of the object—seven times larger than normal—suggested it was not a common astronomical phenomenon.

Military authorities reviewed the case without reaching a clear conclusion. Explanations such as balloons, aircraft, or astronomical events were dismissed. There was no visual or radar contact from the local air base, and no photographs were taken. The final report indicated no satisfactory explanation for the sighting, leaving the door open to more mysterious interpretations.