UFO sighted in 1964 after missile launch

Summary

A pilot and crew observed an unusual object in the Pacific in March 1964. The object appeared suddenly from a mushroom-shaped cloud, followed by a rainbow-like tail. It moved in an arcing path toward the southwest and emitted intermittent flashes. The sighting lasted 15 minutes and was reported from an aircraft over the ocean. Investigators contacted Vandenberg to confirm a missile launch, which matched the report. However, the object could not be definitively identified and did not match known missile tests in the area.