A red object seen over Hawthorn California

Summary

A 17-year-old civilian reported seeing a red object the size of a dime overhead in Hawthorn, California, in July 1957. The object appeared directly above and moved from north to west. The bright star Arcturus was in a similar position, raising questions about whether it was an astronomical event. Despite clear visibility and a long observation time, no conventional aircraft or weather balloons were reported in the area.

Local air base authorities submitted a detailed report to higher command, but no conventional explanations emerged. Nuclear explosions and radar activity were ruled out. The case remains unsolved, with only the civilian's sighting as evidence.