Elliptical UFO seen north of Midway

Summary

In September 1960, a pilot and engineer reported an elliptical-shaped UFO north of Midway Island. The object, the size of a football with a tail of equal length, had a bright orange color. It was observed for 20 to 30 seconds, following a horizontal trajectory from an initial 5 degrees above the horizon to disappearing near 19 degrees of elevation. Its speed was slower than an average meteor, sparking speculation about its nature.

Although explanations like balloons, aircraft, or astronomical phenomena were considered, observers concluded it could be a missile. The duration and appearance matched expectations in a known missile range area. The report included coordinates and observation angles but no photographs. This case remains an unsolved mystery.