UFO sightings linked to Cosmos 103 rocket body in 1968

Summary

In 1968, multiple UFO sightings in Auburn, Washington were reported and analyzed by the Air Force. Witnesses described a moving, star-like light source appearing at specific times between June and July. Due to the nature of the sightings, the information was sent to the Space Defense Center (SDC) to determine if a satellite could be the cause. After running a computer program with the provided dates and times, the SDC concluded that the Cosmos 103 rocket body, launched by the Soviet Union in 1965, would have been visible from Auburn at the reported times. Therefore, it was determined that this rocket body was the likely cause of the sightings.

The Air Force authorized the release of this finding, noting that Cosmos 103 was part of a series of Soviet satellite launches with an unannounced payload. The data matched the witnesses' reports, including details like direction, speed, and duration of the sightings. Despite the technical explanation, some local media used the story to question the Air Force's transparency, generating some controversy. However, official records confirmed there was no evidence of unexplained phenomena.