UFO Identified as Venus in 1957

Summary

In November 1957, a civilian in Hopkins, Minnesota, observed a bright object in the sky that changed color and moved in an unusual pattern. The object, described as round and luminous, was seen for 30 minutes and generated interest. The observer compared its size to a silver dollar and a baseball, noting its apparent variation. The object moved, stopped, and then moved again toward the southwest.

Investigators concluded that the phenomenon was not a balloon or an aircraft, but instead matched the exact position of Venus, which was unusually close to Earth that year and extremely bright. An astronomical chart confirmed that Venus was precisely where the observers reported it. Although multiple reports arose due to public attention, the timing and location of the sightings indicated a real object, though not extraterrestrial.