Red bright UFO seen over Erie and Jackson

Summary

A bright red object with an orange glow at the rear was observed in January 1960 between Erie, Pennsylvania and Jackson, Michigan. The witness described it as resembling a T-33 aircraft but silent. It moved rapidly northeast for a few seconds before fading. Although initially considered a UFO, analysts concluded it was likely a fireball meteor. The color and speed matched known astronomical phenomena, and there was no evidence of aircraft or balloons in the area.

The sighting was reported by a civilian and corroborated by nearby airline activity. Despite its speed and brightness, there were no photos or radar confirmations. The official report classified it as a meteor, though it left open the possibility the witness had mistaken the flame of a night-flying aircraft for an unidentified object.