Red and white UFO seen near Minot

Summary

In February 1961, two witnesses in North Dakota observed a luminous object alternating between white and red. The object appeared at low altitude and moved vertically without horizontal movement. Despite observing it for 10 minutes, they couldn't clearly identify it. It was considered possibly a balloon, an astronomical object, or even an aircraft, but no definitive conclusion was reached. The sighting was officially reported, but the data was insufficient to determine its nature. Military authorities reviewed the case and concluded that there was not enough information to identify the object. It was noted that the vertical movement could have been an optical illusion caused by the movement of the vehicle the witnesses were in. Although some possibilities like a balloon or aircraft were ruled out, it could not be determined with certainty what it was. The report was filed without a clear resolution, leaving open the possibility of it being an astronomical phenomenon or something unknown.