UFO identified as weather balloon at Montauk

Summary

In November 1959, a radar operator at Montauk AFB detected an object rapidly ascending. The radar showed a "blip" one-eighth inch wide, moving in a clearly ascending path. Within 10 minutes, the object reached an altitude of 78,200 feet and faded from the screen. The air base classified it as a weather balloon, as its ascent pattern matched typical balloon behavior.

The report includes weather and wind details supporting the balloon theory. Additionally, a balloon was released from Idlewild Airport around the same time, reinforcing the connection. Although there was no visual interception or physical evidence, meteorological data and the object's trajectory were enough to rule out more exotic explanations.