UFO seen in Misawa, Japan, identified as Venus

Summary

In February 1961, an observer at Misawa Air Base in Japan reported a bright object in the sky that was observed for almost an hour. The witness described an intense light, approximately ten times brighter than the star Sirius, with a color ranging from pinkish white to reddish white. Although initially appearing stationary, it moved slowly northward, causing confusion about its nature.

Investigators concluded that the phenomenon was likely the planet Venus, which was at its brightest at that time. Atmospheric refraction explained the colorful appearance, apparent movement, and exaggerated size. The object disappeared when Venus set, reinforcing the identification. Despite multiple witnesses, its astronomical nature solved the mystery without needing more exotic explanations.