A bright object over New York in 1962

Summary

In July 1962, a young woman in New York observed a bright object moving rapidly across the sky. The object, described as bright as an electric light bulb, left no trail and made no sound. It was estimated to be traveling at 100 miles per second, suggesting an astronomical phenomenon like a meteor. The sighting lasted only two seconds, and the witness did not use optical instruments to view it.

The object's description and behavior matched those of a meteor. The official report classified it as such, though precise details about its trajectory and appearance were recorded. The young woman, who had a high academic record, reported the incident to the Weather Bureau and the Hayden Planetarium, but received no clear explanation. The description of the object as "similar to a meteor" and its quick disappearance without a trace support the official conclusion, though it leaves room for curiosity.