UFO sighted in the Atlantic by military pilots

Summary

In December 1960, several military pilots reported sightings of unidentified objects in the Atlantic. The observations occurred at different times and altitudes, ranging from 1,500 to 40,000 feet. Witnesses described trails varying from whitish to reddish, which remained in the sky longer than typical meteors. One pilot at 40,000 feet observed an object with a contrail or smoke trail visible against a bright star background. Despite visual reports, there were no supersonic radar contacts during the period.

The official conclusion suggested the objects were likely meteors, particularly linked to the Geminids meteor shower, one of the most intense during that time. Descriptions from witnesses, including one noting the objects were "brighter than normal meteors," support this interpretation. Although pilots reported hypersonic speeds, the lack of radar confirmation and the timing with a meteor shower indicate the sightings were astronomical phenomena.