Astronomical Meteor Sighted Over Hayden, Colorado in 1962

Summary

A meteor was observed in Hayden, Colorado, around midnight on the week of August 6, 1962. Witnesses described a massive object, the size of a boxcar, moving through the sky with a rounded, fiery red front and a long tail of flames or sparks. The event was accompanied by a loud swooshing sound and a noticeable pressure in the air. Although no photographs were taken, the report concluded it was an astronomical meteor. The witness, a 60-year-old woman, claimed the object was very close to Earth and estimated it landed 200-300 miles away. While her companions were asleep, she was alert due to the presence of bears in the area. The next day, some teased her about being "in the sun too long," but others encouraged her to report the incident. The report was sent to the Secretary of Defense and classified as a confirmed astronomical event.