UFO in Iowa, Chaff and Radioactivity

Summary

In April 1958, near Shelby in Iowa, a sky phenomenon caused some alarm. A farmer found metal strips and filings, which after observing a flash, were thought to be connected to an unidentified flying object. Local tests showed slight radioactivity, increasing curiosity. However, further investigation revealed the fragments were chaff, material used by the Air Force for electronic countermeasure training. Although the observed flash was not connected to the chaff, it was likely a meteor. The story shows how the unknown can generate interesting theories, but also how science and technology help clarify doubts.