Red spherical UFO observed in Japan in 1960

Summary

A U.S. Navy officer stationed in Japan reported a bright red, spherical object the size of a pea with a tail trailing behind it. The sighting occurred on the early morning of December 5, 1960, from sea level without optical aid. The object was seen for 4 to 5 seconds, fell straight down, and quickly disappeared. Although balloon or aircraft possibilities were considered, investigators concluded it was a fireball meteor. The witnesses, deemed highly reliable, described clear weather with excellent visibility. No sound was associated with the object, supporting the meteor theory.

The object's description and behavior matched known characteristics of bright meteors. No physical evidence was found and no aircraft were reported in the area. Despite its clearly astronomical nature, the sighting was officially recorded and analyzed by military authorities. The commanding officer considered it likely a meteor, and no further action was taken. This case, while not conclusive, shows how even high-quality observations can be attributed to natural phenomena.