UFO observed in Elko Nevada in 1963

Summary

In August 1963, a weather observer in Elko, Nevada, recorded a mysterious object while using a theodolite for balloon tracking. The object moved steadily from north to south and appeared star-like but with its own motion. The observer stopped the theodolite to rule out optical illusions and watched it for one to two minutes. Although it could have been tracked longer, the observer focused on the balloon. The sighting occurred between 04:03 and 04:06 AM, with elevation angles between 29 and 36 degrees.

Authorities considered several possibilities: weather balloon, aircraft, astronomical event, or satellite. Given the movement and timing, it was suggested that it could have been the ECHO satellite or another visible satellite like 1963 B THETA. Elko was between Reno and Salt Lake City, where similar observations were also recorded. Although the object was never confirmed, the report suggests it could have been a satellite, matching the described characteristics. The document was forwarded to NASA and filed under UFO, without the observer being informed of this action.