Black UFO turning red in Minnesota

Summary

In September 1961, a witness in Detroit Lakes, Minnesota, observed a black object turning red and trailing black smoke. The object was seen twice, each time for 1.5 minutes, while the observer was driving. Although no immediate explanation was found, investigators suggested it could be a condensation trail from a jet aircraft entering a shadow, which would explain its disappearance. The red color was attributed to atmospheric refraction. Additionally, the presence of jets in the area supported this theory.

The official Air Force report included weather and wind details at various altitudes. No balloons or other unusual objects were detected in the area during that period. Despite investigations, including phone interviews and consultations with weather detachments, no definitive explanation was found. However, later analysis pointed to conventional causes as the most likely explanation.