UFO with tail seen near Rockingham in 1959

Summary

In February 1959, a witness in Rockingham, North Carolina, observed a round object with a tail measuring between 200 and 300 feet in diameter. The object, dark green in color, was seen for about 10 seconds and moving from north to south. Although initially unusual in appearance, investigators concluded it was a meteor. The witness's description, combined with the weather conditions and lack of photographs, supported this interpretation. The official report classified the event as an astronomical phenomenon, suggesting it was not considered an unexplained object.

The report reached the U.S. Air Force through a military communication chain, including air defense units and intelligence personnel. Despite recording details such as time, location, and weather, no further evidence confirmed an alternative explanation. The responsible officer, Richard J. McGlynn, concluded the phenomenon was unusual but not necessarily unexplainable. This case exemplifies how UFO reports were rigorously analyzed, even when they did not lead to definitive conclusions.