1959 Pittsburgh UFO, a plastic object with a red light

Summary

In September 1959, an explosion in Pittsburgh caught the attention of authorities. At the site, a conical plastic object with a red flashing light and three antenna-like wires was found. It weighed around 12 pounds and had burn marks on the base. Although initially mysterious, investigators concluded it had never flown and was likely a prank by students. The object, containing batteries, an electric motor, and a transformer, had no clear meteorological or military function.

The Air Force thoroughly examined it and ruled out it being a Rawinsonde or any official device. The lack of visible impact in the ground and the intact condition of the object indicated it hadn’t fallen from the sky. Additionally, the manufacturer of the tiny electric motor noted they sold them in hobby shops. Ultimately, the object and the explosion were deemed part of a hoax, likely timed with the start of the school year. The case was closed with no further mysteries.