1959 UFO Sighting in South Charleston, West Virginia

Summary

A 14-year-old boy in South Charleston, West Virginia, reported a bright green object in the sky on September 22, 1959. While stargazing, he noticed a luminous object that briefly stopped before disappearing over the horizon. The witness described it as very bright with a yellow tail, resembling a meteor. The official report classified it as a meteor, but the witness believed it could be a flying saucer entering the atmosphere. The sighting lasted about 10 seconds with a clear sky.

The testimony includes drawings and estimates of the object's size and direction. The Air Force evaluated it as a meteor, but the witness remained unconvinced. Although no photos were taken, the report details weather conditions and the exact location of the sighting. This case exemplifies how UFO reports are often compared to natural phenomena, yet also highlight the curiosity and uncertainty of witnesses.

The report also includes sketches and detailed descriptions of the object's movement and appearance. The U.S. Air Force requested additional information but concluded the sighting was insufficient for a definitive evaluation. The witness's account, however, remains a compelling example of a UFO report from the late 1950s.