UFO identified as meteorite over the western US in 1957

Summary

In August 1957, multiple witnesses along the western coast of the United States observed a bright object in the sky initially mistaken for a crashing aircraft. The object, described as glowing green with a phosphorescent tail, moved from east to west and was seen from as far as San Francisco, Portland, Salt Lake City, and Boise. Some reported sonic booms and yellow particles falling to the ground. Although both civilian and military observers reported the event, authorities identified it as a meteorite from the Perseid meteor shower. The trajectory, disintegration, and associated sounds matched typical characteristics of a large meteor.

Military and air defense reports also documented the event, including observations from Red Bluff Air Force Station in California. An officer from the 859th Aircraft Control and Warning Squadron described a round, white object with a blue tail that silently disintegrated after five seconds. Despite varied descriptions, experts concluded it was a meteorite, not an unidentified object. This case highlights how meteors can cause confusion and be misinterpreted as UFOs, especially when displaying unusual features like intense colors or visible explosions.