UFO seen in Bakersfield in 1957

Summary

In November 1957, a witness in Bakersfield, California, reported an object resembling a basketball, white with alternating red and green lights. The object was observed orbiting the sky for one hour. Although initially considered a balloon or aircraft, the data didn't match conventional objects. The official conclusion was that it was the planet Venus, but the report suggests it could have been sunlight reflected by an aircraft. The observer used binoculars and described the object as having an indefinite shape.

The sighting occurred about 10 miles east of Bakersfield and took place at dusk, complicating identification. Calculations showed that if the object was basketball-sized at that distance, its actual size would be impossibly large. Despite the confusion, no other reports were filed in the area, suggesting the observer was the only witness. The case was closed without a definitive explanation.