Stationary UFO on radar in 1957

Summary

In July 1957, a radar at the Mt. Lemmon Air Force Station in Arizona detected a stationary object at 42,000 feet for 34 minutes. The object appeared as radar paint, with no apparent movement, located 82 miles out at a 308-degree azimuth. Although initially considered a balloon or astronomical phenomenon, internal causes such as a target simulator were suggested. Weather data and geographic location complicated the interpretation, and no aircraft interception occurred due to weather and altitude.

Confusion grew when an officer noted possible electronic interference, such as ECM jamming. Despite multiple reviews, no definitive conclusion was reached. The report was filed without a clear explanation, leaving open the possibility of an unidentified phenomenon or a radar equipment error.