UFO sighted in Aiken in 1957

Summary

In November 1957, a witness in Aiken, South Carolina, observed a cigar-shaped object glowing with bright white light, similar to neon. The object changed color to red and then amber as it moved away from the observer. It was seen for over an hour, making sudden and erratic movements, though it didn't follow a clear path. The witness observed it first with the naked eye and then with binoculars, noting two bright white spots on the object's sides. Despite the long observation time, no sound was heard.

The official conclusion of the report was that the object was Venus, although the witness didn't identify it as such. Weather conditions included scattered clouds and 10-mile visibility. Despite the lack of photographs, meteorological and astronomical data were considered. The report suggested the object might have been a combination of reflections and atmospheric effects, though other explanations weren't ruled out.