Bright meteor over Alaska

Summary

A civilian observer in Alaska reported a luminous phenomenon in July 1960. The object left a bright trail of black smoke stretching for several miles. The detailed description includes a brilliant yellow flash that vanished suddenly after a few seconds. Initially unknown, later analysis suggested it was a daylight meteor. The trajectory and duration of the event matched typical characteristics of a meteor burning up in the atmosphere.

The official evaluation ruled out aircraft or balloons, as there were no crash reports or traces of these. Meteorological data and the visual description supported the theory of an astronomical phenomenon. Despite the lack of photos, the consistency of the account and the absence of other conventional explanations led to classifying the event as likely a meteor.