Advertising plane mistaken for UFO in Paterson 1962

Summary

In July 1962, several teenagers in Paterson, New Jersey, observed a flat-shaped object with a central dome and bright yellow and green lights. The object, moving at a speed similar to a commercial aircraft, was seen for three consecutive evenings. Although initially puzzling, the official conclusion identified it as an advertising plane with flashing lights. Witnesses aged 14 to 19 described the object consistently and noted its west-to-east trajectory.

The report includes sketches and detailed testimonies from up to fourteen observers. Despite the lack of photographs, the repeated and coherent descriptions suggested it was part of an aerial advertising campaign. This case illustrates how aircraft with special lighting can be misinterpreted as unexplained phenomena, especially at night.