UFO sighted in Swansea in 1957 identified as a meteor

Summary

In November 1957, a witness in Swansea, Illinois, reported a reddish, round object descending from the sky. The observer, a 42-year-old engineer, described the object as the size of a baseball at arm's length. As it fell, the object emitted a clear spark and eventually burned out. The observation lasted about five seconds and occurred at 2:45 AM. Although it might initially seem unusual, investigators concluded it was a meteor. The description matched typical characteristics of a meteorite burning up in the atmosphere.

The official report classified it as an astronomical phenomenon, ruling out the possibility of a balloon, aircraft, or any other unnatural object. Despite the lack of physical evidence or photographs, the witness's testimony and the weather conditions at the time supported the meteor identification. This case is an example of how UFO reports often find natural explanations once carefully analyzed.