UFO sighted by pilot near Bitburg

Summary

An F-86 fighter pilot in Germany observed a luminous object with a flame trail for four seconds in January 1958. The object, which appeared at around 40,000 feet, produced a blinding flash before disappearing. It was described as a blue fluorescent sphere with a size similar to a basketball. Although initially considered a possible meteor, experts concluded it was a bolide (fireball) due to its characteristics and behavior. The observation occurred at an altitude of 29,000 feet, adding to the visual confusion caused by atmospheric conditions.

The official evaluation noted that weather conditions were clear and there were no clouds, supporting the idea that the object was not a conventional atmospheric phenomenon. It was mentioned that airborne observers often misperceive colors and distances due to altitude. The report concluded that the object could not be identified as an aircraft, balloon, or meteor, and was considered an unusual astronomical event.