White UFO sighted from USS Durant in 1961

Summary

In November 1961, from the USS Durant, a white round object the size of a pinhead was reported. A navigation officer observed it during a star-shooting session. The object appeared at 70 degrees altitude and moved northeast, remaining visible for 10 minutes before vanishing in haze. Its straight path was confirmed using both the naked eye and a sextant.

The sighting occurred at 21°15'N, 170°15'W, in the Pacific Ocean. Although balloon and aircraft explanations were considered, the report concluded it was an "unknown echo." Three highly reliable officers confirmed the sighting under favorable weather conditions. No photographs were taken, but the report was circulated to multiple military and intelligence departments.