NM_JAN_22_1951.pdf
Sighting of Unknown Object and Project 10073 Record Card
Object seen chasing project gopher balloon at Hollomen AFB, tracked by C-47 aircrew.
Document date: 1951-01-22
Department: USAF
Author: Capt J.E. Cocker, Capt Ernest Spradley
Document type: Report
pages: 4
Archivist's Notes: Documentation on the sighting of a “Star-Like” object trailing a Project Gopher Balloon. The object was observed by the
crew of a C-47, and was seen to be traveling along with the balloon while increasing in size. It later became detached and traveled at a high rate of
speed while emitting orange sparks. The document is in fair shape, though the testimony of Capt J.E. Cocker has faded to only showing his signature.
Clippings from local newspapers are also attached to the document.
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3 minute observation of star-like object reported by members of project gopher, 50 miles se of holloman air force base, new mexico, on 22 jan 1951.
conclusion on form is ticked 'other' with the comment 'gas from balloon' typed in
the observation was made from a c-47 at 70 thousand feet, tracking the gopher balloon.
page 2 is illegible.
page three is the account given by usaf captain ernest spradley. it recounts their observation of a flat, round milky coloured object which traveled
alongside the pear shaped balloon. it appeared about the same size and maintained the same distance and position to the balloon for 3 minutes when
the crew lost sight of it. after moving to the astro dome position it was sighted again by two others who watched as the object descended, made
several bright flashes and then headed west where it disappeared. not long after, the balloon started to descend.
page four contains two newspaper clippings (strangely they are both the same newspaper with possible different dates though it is too illegible to
tell) where the story appears to have changed slightly. the height and observation time are different as is the description of the object. quotes
from the witnesses remain the same though.
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The previous descriptions do a good job telling about all there is to this incident. I find the conclusion comical though. Since when does gas
escaping from a balloon accelerate in speed and give off sparks? What ever it was, it had to be pretty big if they saw it from 12,000 feet giving
estimates that it was 1/4 to 1/2 the size of the balloon at around 70,000 feet.
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