Cylindrical UFO sighted in Oregon in 1959

Summary

In November 1959, a cigar-shaped object was sighted by civilians in Oakridge, Eugene, and Government Camp, Oregon. Witnesses described an elongated object, 6 to 8 times longer than wide, with red lights at the ends and a very bright white light in the center. Observers noted conflicting directions of movement, which caused confusion. Some identified the object as Venus, while others thought it could be a balloon or an astronomical phenomenon. The sighting lasted almost two hours, but no radar confirmation or aircraft were reported in the area. Ultimately, the phenomenon was likely explained as an optical illusion caused by the aurora borealis and the presence of Venus in the sky.

The U.S. Air Force investigated the case, but no interception was possible due to weather conditions. Testimonies from witnesses varied, and although some claimed to see the object clearly even with sunglasses, others could not locate it. The lack of objective data and conflicting reports led to the conclusion that the phenomenon could be astronomical, specifically Venus. Despite doubts, the official report classified it as such, closing the case without a definitive explanation.