UFO Sighted in New Mexico in 1957

Summary

In December 1957, an observer in Moriarty, New Mexico, spotted an object resembling a shark's tail or fins, with no visible fuselage, sized between a baseball and a grapefruit. The object had an incandescent metallic color and left a quick-fading trail of sparks before vanishing suddenly. The sighting lasted only two seconds. Given that the event occurred during the peak of the Geminids meteor shower, researchers concluded it was likely a meteor. Despite the brief and mysterious nature of the observation, no photos or additional records were taken.

The detailed report includes weather data and wind conditions at different altitudes, helping to contextualize the event. Although the operations officer of the 768th AC&W Squadron considered the explanation plausible, the report does not entirely rule out the possibility of an unidentified object. This case is an example of how astronomical phenomena can be mistaken for UFO sightings, especially under clear, moonless skies.