UFO sighted in Miamisburg Ohio with possible astronomical explanation

Summary

In January 1961, a witness in Miamisburg, Ohio, observed a bright object in the sky that appeared to have a tail and moved slowly. The report describes the object as a spar-like light that changed color between bright blue and bluish-green. The observation lasted at least 20 minutes, indicating sustained attention to the phenomenon. Although the witness did not take photographs, they provided details about the object's movement and appearance.

Air Force investigators concluded that the sighting could be related to atmospheric refraction caused by a temperature inversion. At that time, Mars was particularly bright with a magnitude of -1.2, which might have contributed to the perception of the object. Despite the lack of photographic evidence, the report suggests the phenomenon could be explained by atmospheric conditions rather than an unknown object. The witness, a 50-year-old man, did not identify the object and had no prior experience with similar phenomena.