Fake UFO with 100-dollar reward

Summary

In August 1959, a 19-year-old in Coeburn, Virginia, reported seeing three bright objects in the sky. According to his testimony, the objects were twice as bright as the largest star on a clear night and changed colors, appearing like dimes. The young man claimed he took a photo with a 35 mm camera, hoping to receive a $100 reward for the image. However, technical analysis of the photograph revealed that the spots on the film were "air bells" and the blurry image could be due to cigarette smoke or poor developing technique. The story was classified as an obvious hoax.

The report details how the young man, with his mother's help, observed the objects during the night, though there was no independent confirmation. The Air Force concluded there was insufficient evidence to consider the objects as unidentified aerial phenomena and debunked the idea of offering rewards for UFO photos. The case reflects the confusion and speculation common during the UFO report era, where lack of technical knowledge and influence of rumors led to misinterpretations.