Cylindrical UFO seen three times in Washington DC

Summary

In May 1961, a witness in Washington DC reported a cylindrical object one-third the size of the moon on three separate occasions. The object displayed red, white, and brown colors and rotated counterclockwise. Observed through binoculars for 30 minutes each time, the sightings occurred under calm or mild wind conditions. Despite detailed descriptions, investigators concluded it was likely a weather balloon released from Bolling Air Force Base. The consistency of the reports and timing supports this explanation.

The official report suggests the observer was seeing the same phenomenon each time, reducing the likelihood of an unknown phenomenon. Although the object appeared unusual, meteorological data and the balloon launch routine support a conventional explanation. The case was classified as "probably balloon," closing the investigation without further study.