A balloon astronomical in Phoenix from 1963

Summary

In November 1963, an observer in Phoenix, Arizona, reported a spherical bright object that appeared much larger than the morning star. He described a golden and orange ball visible for five minutes before sunrise. Although initially considered a balloon or aircraft, the official conclusion pointed to the star Spica. The vision was complicated by high haze and three thermal inversions that could distort perception. The observer, a local psychiatrist, described the phenomenon in detail, drawing the attention of military authorities.

The official report evaluated it as an astronomical identification, attributing it to Spica, though with possible atmospheric distortions. Despite no physical evidence or radar confirmation of the object, the case was considered clear enough to be archived. Dr. Hanke, one of the evaluators, suggested it could be a colloidal particle, though this theory was not widely accepted. The case remains an interesting example of how atmospheric phenomena can be mistaken for unexplained objects.