Brilliant fireball over the Atlantic in 1957

Summary

In November 1957, two aircraft observed an extraordinary fireball over the North Atlantic. The phenomenon was described as a brilliant blue-white flash, brighter than a typical meteor, surrounded by a purple ring. The pilots, one from the Navy and one from the Air Force, were at different altitudes but both reported the sighting at the exact same time. Although balloon, aircraft, and astronomical possibilities were considered, investigators concluded it was an astronomical meteor. Visibility was excellent, reinforcing the credibility of the observation.