UFO Sighted in Denver in 1961 Classified as Meteor

Summary

A witness in Denver, Colorado, reported in 1961 a bright airborne object with a trajectory parallel to the ground and an orange trail. The object, described as irregular in shape and resembling a flattened football, split into two parts after a blue flash that faded to orange. The sighting lasted between 4 and 5 seconds, and the object disappeared suddenly. Investigators concluded it was a bolide-type meteor, a space rock that burns up upon entering the atmosphere. The description of color, duration, and disappearance matched what is expected in an astronomical event.

The report, part of Project 10073, was reviewed by the Air Force, which ruled out the possibility of a balloon, aircraft, or any other non-natural object. Although it might initially seem like a supernatural or UFO phenomenon, the observational data support a completely natural explanation. This case is an example of how science and detailed observation can resolve seemingly inexplicable mysteries.