UFO identified as Sputnik in 1957

Summary

In December 1957, a B-47 crew observed a bright object resembling a star while flying at 35,000 feet. The object maintained a steady course for four minutes before disappearing. Although initially puzzling, orbital calculations and confirmation from the Smithsonian Astrophysical Observatory determined it was the Soviet satellite Sputnik. The crew, deemed extremely reliable, found no evidence it was an aircraft, meteor, or balloon. The object's trajectory matched Sputnik's orbit, resolving the mystery, though a time discrepancy required verification.

The official report concluded the object was not a conventional meteorological or astronomical phenomenon. Observers noted no exhaust or tail, and its altitude and path ruled out an aircraft. Despite matching Sputnik's orbit, a time error in the report briefly caused confusion. Eventually, the case was declassified, allowing researchers to confirm it was a legitimate sighting of the first artificial satellite.