Glouster UFO 1957 identified as a bolide

Summary

A luminous object was sighted in Glouster, Massachusetts, on December 2, 1957. Witnesses described it as a long body with a white tail that turned yellow before vanishing. The observation lasted about 4 seconds and was recorded by Coast Guard personnel and from a lifeboat station. Although there was some confusion in the direction data, experts concluded it was likely a bolide, a bright meteor that burns up upon entering the atmosphere. The description and trajectory align with known astronomical phenomena.

The weather conditions at the time supported this theory, with strong winds at high altitudes that could have influenced the object's apparent path. Despite the brief sighting and lack of photographs, the available data allowed experts to rule out other explanations like balloons or aircraft. The official report classifies the event as astronomical, closing the investigation without further study.