Metamorphic rock mistaken for a UFO

Summary

In November 1966, a geologist from Northwestern University examined an object initially thought to be a UFO. After careful inspection, he concluded it was a metamorphic rock, specifically a piece of transformed quartzite. This discovery in Aberdeen, Maryland, had no unusual characteristics and fit perfectly with local geological formations. The report highlighted the importance of obtaining precise information about the location of unidentified objects, as the lack of detailed data made analysis difficult.

The document also includes a detailed questionnaire from the U.S. Air Force to collect information on sightings of unidentified aerial phenomena. These types of forms were common during the Cold War era, when interest in unexplained aerial phenomena was high. The questionnaire requested data such as the exact location, duration of the sighting, weather conditions, and visual descriptions. Although in this case the object turned out to be a common rock, the process reflected the scientific rigor applied to UFO reports at that time.