UFO sighted over San Bernardino in 1961

Summary

In February 1961, a civilian observer in San Bernardino, California, spotted a round, white object that appeared as a pinpoint in the northern horizon. The object appeared and disappeared several times over a span of 20 minutes, with minimal movement from its position. Although the observer and the assigned officer believed it could be a weather balloon, further investigations were conducted to confirm this hypothesis. It was found that several balloons had been launched in the area during the morning of the incident, supporting the possibility that the object was one of them.

Military authorities reviewed weather data and balloon launch records in the region. Although no balloon was found exactly at the reported location, wind patterns and atmospheric conditions aligned with those that could allow a balloon to be there. Ultimately, it was concluded that the observed object was likely a weather balloon, and the case was closed without further investigation. This report reflects how even in the 1960s, UFO sightings were analyzed with rigor and an open mind, always seeking a reasonable explanation.