Round UFO seen in Onchiota in 1966

Summary

In April 1966, three civilian observers in Onchiota, New York, reported a round object that changed colors and moved erratically. The object appeared in the east, moved toward the south, rose nearly overhead, and then disappeared over the hills to the east. It was observed for 15 minutes and described as white, red, green, and white, with a fluctuating brightness. Initially considered a meteorological phenomenon like a meteor, this was ruled out due to the object's duration and erratic movements.

The Air Force investigated the case and concluded that the object was a KC-135 aircraft number 836, which was flying near the sighting location. The aircraft's navigation lights, including rotating red beacons, white, and green lights, could have reflected in a way that observers perceived an unusual object. The official explanation suggested that the combination of darkness, clear skies, and the aircraft's distance might have contributed to the confusion. Despite the explanation, the case remains intriguing due to the detailed description and the coincidence with a meteor sighting shortly afterward.