Bright UFO sighted near Midway in 1960

Summary

A U.S. Navy officer reported in 1960 observing a bright object, similar to a first magnitude star or brighter, moving from southwest to northeast. The sighting occurred north of Midway Island and lasted about 10 minutes. The object was seen at an altitude of roughly 10 degrees above the horizon and disappeared without a trace. Although no photos were taken, observers concluded it could be a communications balloon or satellite, given its trajectory and brightness. The report, classified and declassified decades later, still lacks a definitive explanation.

The exact location of the sighting was recorded as 33-55N 137-32E, placing the event in a remote area of the Pacific. Despite rigorous observation and position calculations, the object was not identified with certainty. The report mentions that the officer used a sextant to calculate the object's altitude, adding credibility to the account. However, the lack of physical evidence or images leaves multiple possibilities open, from conventional explanations to phenomena yet to be understood.