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Page ID (PID)
MAXW-PBB1-1063
Collection
NARA-Maxwell
Page 1063 of 1537
Roll Description
Maxwell Blue Book 1
Document Code
N/A
MAXW-PBB1-1061
MAXW-PBB1-1062
MAXW-PBB1-1063
MAXW-PBB1-1064
MAXW-PBB1-1065
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Page Text
THI* '' \ 1 Jan - 30 Jon 57 Total number of reports received - 250 to T H I S P G ''E I I S U N C L A S S I F I E D Number of Percent -\ Category Reports Rec''d '' of Total '' Balloon 66 \ 26.4 ;, Aircraft 72 \ 23.8 Astronomical 61 24.4 1 i Other 16 6.4 Insufficient Data i 30 12. 1 Unknown 5 1.9 " Categories of Identification The following w^ll explain the basis upon which the various sightings arc categorized: '' , B^VLLtpON: Approximately 400 balloons are released in the |U.J. every day. There are two general types of balloons: , weather balloons and upper-air research balloons. f>cc U\rCj ''//-''-* Balloons will vary from small types 4 feet in diameter f (it?i '''''''' it\ ft\''C to large types 200 feet in diameter?* The majority re- Hkit"j^(K $ vAi/fc lleased at night carri- running lights which often con- ''CCO Ibi: fc ''liSu'' tlribute to weird or Iniksual appearances when observed ( f\ h t''Ic &>i\)llith h '' at n^8nt- This also holds tru^ when observed near dawn fc, .''^f-Or sunset because of the effect of the slant rays of the1 sun upon the balloon surfaces. The large balloons, if caught in jet streams, may assume a near horizontal position wfyen partially inflated, and move with speeds of over 200 MPH. Large types may be observed flat- tened pn top. The effect of the latter two conditions can be startling even to experienced pilots. <~ <V/ '' AIRCRAFT: Many modern aircraft, particularly swept and delta wing types L under adverse weather and lighting conditions r/kre reported as unusual objects and "flying saucers". ; '' When observed at high altitudes, reflecting sunlight off '' their surfaces, or when only their jet exhausts are O ''
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Page 1063 of 1537