Red and green flash over Sitka

Summary

A Northwest Airlines pilot reported a bright object changing colors and disappearing quickly. The incident occurred near Sitka, Alaska, on August 24, 1960, at 11:45 UTC. The observer, Captain Ashman, described an intense flash that shifted from yellow to green and then to red, vanishing instantly toward the northeast. The sighting lasted between 1.5 and 2 seconds. Due to the nature of the event, investigators concluded it was likely a meteor or meteorite disintegrating in Earth's atmosphere.

The official report included no photographs or radar data, relying solely on the pilot's testimony. Although other possibilities were not ruled out, the description matched typical meteor characteristics. The trajectory and rapid disappearance supported this interpretation. The report was shared with several military and civilian agencies, but no further details or follow-up were recorded.