Bright UFO over the Pacific in 1961

Summary

In June 1961, an officer aboard the SS Korean Bear observed a bright object in the Pacific sky. The object, shining as brightly as Jupiter, appeared at 60 degrees altitude and moved directly overhead. It emitted fire and fragments while continuing on an easterly course, disappearing behind thick clouds at 20 degrees altitude. Two other officers confirmed the sighting, adding credibility to the report. Although it was considered possibly an orbiting satellite like Echo, it did not reappear, leaving its nature uncertain.

The report was submitted to U.S. military authorities, who evaluated it without reaching a clear conclusion. The object's speed ruled out a balloon, but it was not identified as an aircraft or known astronomical phenomenon. Despite insufficient data, the captain's reliable track record gave weight to the case. Such unresolved sightings are common in declassified UFO files and reflect the uncertainty surrounding UFOs in the 1960s.