Aerial observation in Dhahran 1960

Summary

A weather observer at Dhahran Airfield in Saudi Arabia reported a very bright light followed by an orange flame streak almost overhead on September 26, 1960. The object moved from southeast to northwest and remained visible for five seconds. Although initially considered a reentry, the short duration led to classifying it as a meteor. The observer noted it looked unlike any shooting star he had ever seen.

The observation was recorded as part of Project 10073, an air reporting system of the time. Despite direction and color suggesting a reentry, limited data led to classifying it as an astronomical phenomenon. There were no photos or radar involved, and the report was sent to several U.S. Air Force units for analysis.