Spherical UFO sighted at Lajes, Azores

Summary

In February 1963, a group of military personnel at Lajes base in the Azores observed a white object without trail or sound. The object was seen for five minutes, moving in a wavy pattern toward the east. Although no photos were taken, eight witnesses confirmed the sighting. Meteorological data matched the behavior of a balloon, and it was considered possible that it had been launched from a nearby naval base. The official evaluation classified it as a balloon, but the possibility of an unknown aircraft was not completely ruled out.

The object's description and trajectory matched typical characteristics of a weather balloon, especially considering the wind directions and speeds recorded. However, the report also noted that the presence of an unknown aircraft in the area could not be ruled out. Despite no unusual meteorological activity, the officer in charge considered it possible that an unregistered aircraft had been in the area. Thus, although it was concluded to be likely a balloon, some uncertainty remained in certain aspects of the case.