UFO observed in 1961 in California

Summary

In July 1961, a U.S. Air Force officer reported an unusual aerial phenomenon over McClellan Air Force Base in California. The object, described as round and orange-white, disintegrated into three parts while leaving a visible trail. The observers, including three experienced pilots, saw it for about 15 seconds before it disappeared. Although initially considered the possibility of a balloon or aircraft, the data pointed more toward an astronomical event.

The official evaluation concluded that the object had all the characteristics of a bolide, a bright meteorite that disintegrates before reaching the ground. Although no photos were taken and no satellites were re-entering the atmosphere at that time, the witnesses considered the sighting duration slightly longer than usual for a meteor. However, this could be due to an overestimation by the observers. The report classified the event as likely astronomical, closing the investigation without further analysis.