Spherical UFO seen in Des Moines in 1957

Summary

In October 1957, a witness in Des Moines, Iowa, observed a round, silver object the size of a basketball. The object was seen for one minute, flying in a straight line from northwest to southwest. Although the balloon was initially considered, the report data points more to an aircraft. The description, duration, and flight path are consistent with a conventional aircraft observation, leading investigators to classify the case as likely caused by an aerial object.

The report, part of Project 10073, was submitted by the Commander of the 20th Air Division. The description of the object, along with the civilian testimony, was recorded without photos. Despite the brief observation, the data includes details such as the estimated altitude, direction, and absence of vapor trail. The report concludes that, although a balloon cannot be entirely ruled out, the observed object was probably a conventional aircraft.