UFO sighting in Marietta, Georgia in 1957

Summary

A civilian observer in Marietta, Georgia reported seeing a round rusty red object about the size of a large orange with a tail about one yard long. The object was descending and remained visible for one minute. Authorities concluded the sighting was related to the aurora borealis, a phenomenon also reported elsewhere in the country. Although other possibilities like balloons or aircraft were initially considered, the description of the object and the context of the aurora led to dismissing those explanations. The report includes weather data and observations from other witnesses supporting the theory that it was an atmospheric phenomenon.