Flare over the West Coast of Florida

Summary

A brilliant flare was observed by multiple fishing vessels off the west coast of Florida in September 1959. The phenomenon, moving in a southeast direction, remained visible for 30 to 40 minutes. Although no photos were taken, several witnesses confirmed the event. The Miami Coast Guard linked it to missile test activities at Cape Canaveral. Despite its duration and visibility, the flare was not identified as a balloon, aircraft, or astronomical event, but rather as "another flare". The lack of images and the nature of the event created some uncertainty, though the data points to rocket-related activity.