JEPHQ O5A / O6A — 1954-09-27 — Kensington, Maryland (observed object estimated short distan

On 27 September 1954 at approximately 1750Z, a civilian observer at Kensington, Maryland reported observing a brilliant oval-shaped orange object the apparent size of an orange at arm's length, slightly above the horizon to the southwest. The object bobbed up and down slowly, moved slightly west and lower toward the horizon, with the light alternating bright and fading out, disappearing for periods of 30 seconds before vanishing entirely. The sighting lasted approximately 35 minutes. Total observation about 25 minutes via ground visual. Weather was clear, unlimited visibility; winds aloft 180 degrees at 12 knots at 1,000 ft, 200 degrees at 16 knots at 10,000 ft. National Airport Tower reported air traffic in area. Lt. Col. Harold D. Jefferson, AFOIN duty officer, opined the sighting was probably connected with normal air traffic in National Airport area; Lt. Col. T. M. Bailey, AFOIN duty officer, deemed the unusual color and movement and observation through a screened window could have produced illusions about color and motion (suggesting stellar origin).

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