Cone-shaped UFO seen in Minnesota in 1961

Summary

In February 1961, witnesses in Silver Bay and Gilbert, Minnesota, observed a bright, cone-shaped object emitting vivid red, green, and blue colors. The object, trailing fire and sparks, was seen for five seconds and was traveling at an extremely high speed, even compared to a F-106 jet. One observer reported a sound similar to a sonic boom, though they couldn't determine if it occurred before or after the sighting. The object appeared at an unknown elevation and disappeared behind trees, according to witnesses from different locations.

Military authorities concluded it was likely a rare daylight meteor, large enough to be heard when it exploded. Despite conflicting reports on its size, ranging from dime-sized to 4–6 inches, the overall description and behavior of the object aligned with rare astronomical phenomena. The case was filed without further investigation, but it remains an interesting example of how unidentified objects can be interpreted by different sources.