White cylindrical UFO seen near Portales

Summary

A white cylindrical object was observed in January 1959 near Portales, New Mexico. A B-52 pilot described it as slightly larger than the fuselage of his aircraft, with a pointed nose and a wispy gray vapor trail. The sighting lasted about five seconds and was concluded to have the characteristics of a large meteor. The report notes that several observers agreed on the description, although one thought it might be a meteor. No evidence was found to confirm it was a balloon, aircraft, or satellite.

The report includes detailed weather data and precise locations, and considered the visibility conditions to be good. Despite investigations, the object could not be positively identified. The possibility of a rocket or orbiting satellite was ruled out, and no experimental vehicle was confirmed in the area. Ultimately, it was concluded that the object had all the characteristics of a large meteor.