UFO observed in the Pacific in 1961

Summary

In September 1961, a Pan Am pilot reported a luminous phenomenon in the Pacific that caught the attention of military authorities. The object, seen from an altitude of 28,000 feet, appeared as a flash of light moving rapidly across the sky. The pilot described a trajectory of 25 degrees of arc, with a color change from bright blue to dull red, and a brightness four times greater than that of Venus. The phenomenon lasted between 5 and 10 seconds before disappearing with an explosion. Despite the dramatic nature of the observation, investigators concluded it was an astronomical meteor, a natural but rare phenomenon. The pilot's description matched typical meteor characteristics, suggesting no need to seek more exotic explanations.

This case is part of a broader 1961 UFO sighting record, mixing reports identified as balloons, aircraft, or satellites with unresolved ones. The file includes precise data on location, time, and characteristics of the phenomenon, allowing for a detailed evaluation. Although the pilot did not take photographs, the detailed description and consistency with astronomical data gave analysts enough information to discard more complex hypotheses. The case reflects the methodology of the time, where a scientific explanation was sought for each observation, always prioritizing simplicity and verifiability.