Round UFO sighted in Kansas City in 1959

Summary

A round, orange, and fully lit object was spotted in Kansas City, Missouri, in February 1959. A civilian witness, a 47-year-old cabinetmaker, observed it while driving. The object appeared as a sphere approximately 100 feet in diameter and moved from east to west before turning 90 degrees south. It remained at an altitude between 1,500 and 2,000 feet for 5 to 6 minutes. The witness first saw it with the naked eye and later with a 25-power telescope. Although a balloon was considered, investigators concluded it was likely an aircraft.

The reasoning was based on the object's behavior, including directional changes and altitude, consistent with an aircraft. No photographs or radar data were recorded. Checks with local organizations ruled out known balloon flights in the area at the time. Weather conditions were clear with scattered clouds and moderate winds. Despite the lack of conclusive evidence, the 20th Air Division investigators determined the report did not support an unconventional explanation.