UFO sighted over Terre Haute in 1959

Summary

In August 1959, a civilian in Terre Haute, Indiana, observed an object moving at high speed and emitting a sound resembling frying. The object was described as shell-like in shape and moving in a southeast to northwest direction. Although no photos were taken, the witness calculated an apparent velocity of 120,000 miles per hour at an altitude of 120,000 feet. The observation lasted several minutes and left no visible trail or impact noise, though a flash was detected.

NASA and ATIC concluded that the object was likely a bolide, a type of bright meteor that can explode or produce sound upon entering the atmosphere. Scientific analysis suggested the object's speed and trajectory were consistent with a meteor, though the witness could not precisely recall the time lag between the sighting and the sound. While not conclusive, this case adds another piece to the mystery of unidentified objects.