Red meteor-like object with white tail near Hawaii

Summary

On May 10, 1960, an object resembling a meteor was observed southwest of the Hawaiian Islands. It was described as having a red head and a bluish-white tail of the same width. The object moved southward, gradually dimming until it disappeared. The sighting lasted about five seconds and was reported by approximately 25 people on the ground.

Descriptions were consistent with a slow-moving shooting star, leading investigators to consider it a meteor or possibly a satellite entering the atmosphere. Weather conditions were clear with unlimited visibility and partial cloud cover. Although reported as a UFO, the official conclusion leaned toward an astronomical explanation.