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Green Fireball Sightings Perplex Military
A number of sightings described as Green Fireballs were reported in the
skies of the southwestern United States, particularly New Mexico,
beginning in late 1948. Such sightings worried some in the government,
who noted that the reports were often made near sensitive research and
military installations, such as Los Alamos and Sandia National
Laboratory. The strange green balls of light reportedly appeared
suddenly and were reported many times per month near such New Mexico
installations but hardly anywhere else.
Investigators Look Into Situation
Meteor expert Lincoln La Paz headed much of the investigation into the
fireballs. His conclusion was that the objects were artificial perhaps
secret Russian spy devices. The green fireballs were seen by so many
people of high repute, including LaPaz and scientists at Los Alamos,
that everybody agreed they were a real phenomenon. Secret conferences
were convened at Los Alamos to study the phenomenon and in Washington by
the Air Force Scientific Advisory Board.
Project Twinkle Comes Into Being
In December 1949 Project Twinkle, a network of green fireball
observation and photographic stations, was established but never fully
implemented. It was discontinued two years later, with the official
conclusion that the phenomenon was probably natural in origin, a
hypothesis disputed by LaPaz and others.
Setting Groundwork
Early in 1950 the Geophysics Research Division received a directive to
investigate peculiar light phenomena that had been observed in the skies
of the southwestern United States. Project Twinkle was established to
check into these phenomena and their explanation.
The gist of the findings is essentially negative. The period of
observations covers a little over a year. Some unusual phenomena were
observed during that period, most of them can be attributed to such
man-made objects as airplanes, balloons, rockets, etc. Others can be
attributed to natural phenomena such as flying birds, small clouds and
meteorites.
There has been no indication that even the somewhat strange observations
often called Green Fireballs are anything but natural phenomena. Our
recommendations are in essence that there is no use in sinking any more
funds into this at the present time and that we will keep in connection
with one of our meteor studies a sharp eye on anything unusual along
this line.
Background
In accordance with instructions contained in a classified letter from
Chief of Staff, USAF to CG, AMC, subject "Light Phenomena", on 14
September 1949, Lt. Col. Frederic C.E. Oder of CRD attended a conference
at Los Alamos, 14 October 19449 on the subject of "Green Fireballs"
observed in the Northern New Mexico area. Since the phenomena had been
observed only in this area and only since 1947, it had caused
considerable concern among security agencies in the area.
It was the conclusion of the scientists present at this meeting that the
information available was not sufficiently quantitative Instrumental
observations - photographic, triangulation, and spectroscopic were
considered essential.
Dr. L. La Paz of the Department of Meteoritics of Univ. of New Mexico
was present at the Los Alamos meeting and subsequently was invited to
submit proposals for studying this phenomena under GRD sponsorship. On 2
February 1950, Dr. La Paz advised that due to difficulties with
academic arrangements, he was unable to undertake this study.
During February 1950, the frequent reports of unexplained aerial
phenomena in the vicinity of Holloman Air Force Base and Vaughn, New
Mexico prompted the Commanding Officer of Holloman Air Force Base to
initiate a program to gather factual data. These data then would be used
to demonstrate the need for initiating a study of the phenomena.
On 21 February 1950, an observation outlook post was set up at Holloman
Air Force Base manned by two personnel. Observations with theodolight,
telescope and camera were undertaken between the hours of sunrise and
sunset.
On 5 March 1950 a conference was held at Wright-Patterson Air Force Base
which included Holloman Air Force Base and GRD personnel. Action was
taken to initiate a three point program which was confirmed by AMC in
the form of a letter directive on 16 March 1950, subject "Light
Phenomena".
a. Askania instrument triangulation by Land-Air Inc.
b. Observations with Mitchell camera using spectrum grating by Holloman Air Force Base personnel.
c. Electromagnetic frequency measurements using Signal Corps Engineering Laboratory equipment.
Under contract to GRD, Land-Air Inc. was required to maintain constant
watch at two Askania stations for a six-month period. Since an abnormal
number of reports had been received from Vaughn, New Mexico, it was
decided to install the instrumentation at Vaughn.
1950 Contract Period April 1 To April 15
Some photographic activity occurred on 27 April and 24 May, but
simultaneous sightings by both cameras were not made, so that no
information was gained.
On 30 August 1950, during a Bell aircraft missile launching, aerial
phenomena were observed over Holloman Air Force Base by several
individuals; however, neither Land-Air nor Project personnel were
notified and, therefore, no results were acquired. On 31 August 1950,
the phenomena were again observed after a V-2 launching. Although much
film was expended, proper triangulation was not effected, so that again
no information was acquired.
On 11 September, arrangements were made by Holloman AFB for. Major.
Gover, Commander 93rd Fighter Squadron at Kirtland AFB, to be on call so
that aerial objects might be pursued. This would make possible more
intimate visual observation and photography at close range. Major Gover
was not authorized to shoot at the phenomena.
Generally, the results of the six-month contractual period may be
described as negative. Although the photographic theodolites functioned
continuously, the grating cameras functioned very little, since the
military personnel assigned to operate them had been withdrawn due to
the needs concerned with the Korean situation.
The facilities for the electromagnetic frequency measurements that were
to be provided by the Signal Corps Engineering Laboratories were not
utilized due to the fact that the frequency of occurrence of these
phenomena did not justify the $50,000 a year transfer of funds to the
Signal Corps which would be required to carry out such a monitoring
facility.
However, the phenomena activity over Hlloman AFB 150 miles south of
Vaughn, N. Mexico during the latter part of August 1950 was considered
sufficiently significant so that the contract with Land-Air (Askania
cameras only) was extended for six months ending 31 March 1951.
1950-1951 Contract Period October To March
Because of the continuation of phenomena activity in the vicinity of
Vaughn and the resumption of activity near HAFB, the Askania cameras
again were overhauled and installed at HAFB. This installation was
completed about 5 November 1950.
On 16 October 1950, arrangements were made by Lt. Albert of HAFB that
Northrup Aircraft pilots engaged in frequent flying of B-45 and QF-80
aircraft in the Holloman vicinity would report all observations of
aerial phenomena. During this period, occasional reports were received
of individuals seeing strange aerial phenomena, but these reports were
sketchy, inconclusive, and were considered to be of no scientific value.
No sightings were made by the Askania cameras.
Nothing whatsoever was reported by the Northrup pilots. Popular interest
seemed abated, at least in the southwest. On 31 March 1951, due to the
expiration of the contract, Land-Air ceased constant vigilance at the
two Askania stations. In summary, the results during this period were
negative.
Post Contract Inquiry
In view of the unproductive nature of the contract with Land-Air, it was
decided to make further inquiry concerning recent aerial object
developments in New Mexico. On 9 August 1951, the situation was
discussed with Lt. Col. Cox of the 17th OSI District (Kirtland AFB).
Until 15 March 1950 the District had been diligent in forwarding copies
of their reports on aerial object phenomena.
Since then, no reports have been received by the Geophysics Research
division. Colonel Cox advised that reports of strange aerial phenomena
were still received by the 17th OSI office, at the rate of once or twice
a month but little attention was being given to this matter. Most of
the reports originated from personnel at Los Alamos.
The OSI files were reviewed. (A summary covering recent reports is
attached.) It was learned that representatives from LIFE and also from
ARGOSY were interested in publishing articles on aerial object
phenomena. On 27 August 1951, developments concerning aerial phenomena
were discussed at Holloman AFB. Lt. John Albert previously associated
with the project had now been transferred from Holloman.
Therefore, the project was discussed with Major Edward A. Doty who had
assumed responsibility. Major Doty, who seemed to be thoroughly
acquainted with the situation, advised that there have been very few
reports of aerial phenomena in the vicinity of Holloman since September
1950. The populace around HAFB seem to have lost their sensitivity as
observers. Even during the meteor shower of 11-12 August 1951, no
alarming reports were received.
However, on 14 March 1951, nine Bell personnel reported sighting between
fourteen and twenty bodies "not unlike a flock of geese". On 9 July a
"red glowing ball" was sighted by a sergeant stationed at the Corona
Experimental Radar Site at Corona, New Mexico. (Copies of both reports
are attached). More recently, a pilot reported some aerial objects
which, after investigation, were identified as planets.
Mr. B. Guildenberg, who is an assistant to Major Doty and an active
amateur astronomer, commented that he has been spending several hours at
his telescope almost every night for the past few years and never once
observed an unexplainable object; that on one occasion, an excited
acquaintance was pacified when a "strange object" showed up as an eagle
in the telescope; that Clyde Tombaugh, discoverer of the planet Pluto
and now engaged in activities at White Sands, never observed an
unexplainable aerial object despite his continuous and extensive
observations of the sky; that Fred Whipple in his work photographing
meteors at Las Cruces, never detected a strange aerial object with his
Schmidt cameras; and that the A and M College at Las Cruces engages in
astronomical observations but had never observed strange aerial
phenomena.
It was learned from Major Doty, that Col. Baynes, C. O. at HAFB, no
longer felt there was any justification for the allocation of funds for
maintaining systematic investigation. Rather, he provided that the
project be maintained on a standby basis and without official Air Force
status.
This entails assignment of an officer (Major Doty) to collect incoming
reports, make periodic review of the files "for patterns or persistent
characteristics in the reports", maintain liaison with OSI, Provost
Marshall's Office and any other agencies whose activities may serve to
provide information concerning future aerial phenomena developments.
Land-Air has agreed to report and if possible photograph any abnormal
sightings made during their scheduled periods of operation (about eight
hours each day).
The weather station will function similarly. Also, all pilots have been
briefed to report any unusual observations. If necessary, the project
can be activated very quickly, even to the extent where funds will be
made available, for the purchase of equipment. Major Doty also arranged a
conference with Mr. Warren Kott, who is in charge of Land-Air
operations.
Mr. Kott pointed out that a formal report covering the year's vigilance
period had not been issued since the contract contained no such
provision. Actually, a time correlation study should be made covering
the film and verbal recordings at both Askania stations. This would
assure that these records did not contain significant material. However,
such a study is quite laborious, and would require about thirty man
days to complete.
Again, no provisions are contained in the contract for this study, but
Mr. Kott felt that this could be done by Land-Air at the additional
expense in the near future when the work load diminished. Mr. Kott
requested formal authorization to do this and Major Doty agreed to issue
this letter of authorization.
It was arranged further that at such time when the study is completed
all photographic and tape-recordings would be sent to the Geophysics
Research Division. Prior to departing HAFB, the project files were
reviewed. Major Doty advised that access to the files had not been
requested by any periodicals.
On 28 August 1951, the subject was discussed informally with Dr. Lincoln
La Paz, who expressed disbelief in all aerial phenomena except for the
green fire-balls. The red fire-ball occasionally reported he believed
was the visual after-effect of the green. Their recent origin (1947) and
peculiar trajectories did not permit, according to Dr. La Paz, them to
be classed as natural phenomena.
The most recent that has come to his attention occurred over Detroit on 7
July 1951. It crossed the city from Northwest to Southeast with a
sharply descending trajectory which leveled out and was observed by many
residents of the city. Dr. La Paz expressed the opinion that the
fireballs may be of our own military origin, but if not, they are a
matter of serious concern.
Conclusions
Undoubtedly, a good many of the observations reported are attributable
to ordinary man-made objects such as airplanes, balloons, smoke rockets,
etc. It appears that balloon observations especially are responsible
for a large number or the reports. The possibility of small emissive
clouds issuing from atomic installations also has been proposed. Many of
the sightings are attributable to natural phenomena such as flight of
birds, planets, meteors, and possibly cloudiness.
Dr. Fred L. Whipple of Harvard, in a memorandum to this laboratory dated
9 August 1950 relative to this problem, indicated that he had observed a
tendency for the occurrence of small detached clouds in New Mexico
which might have been mistaken for an aerial object when illuminated by
the reflected light of the moon. Dr. Whipple investigated the
possibility of a correlation between the frequency of aerial phenomena
observations and weather conditions -- specifically cloudiness.
A rough analysis of available weather data, indicated that on the 53
nights (between 5 December 1948 and 5 March 1951) when observations were
reported, 10 were clear, 24 partially cloudy, 5 completely overcast and
14 had no record. The number of cloudy nights involved seems unusually
high for New Mexico.
The weather reports were for the Las Cruces Area only whereas many of
the observations were a considerable distance from Las Cruces. Further
investigation is therefore necessary to determine correlations with
cloudiness. Dr. Whipple also conducted a study as to whether the age of
the moon was related to the frequency of aerial phenomena observations.
The results did not indicate that the phenomena were observed largely at
full moon.
The statistics show that of the 72 observations reported, 45 occurred
when the moon was up and 27 when it was down with many of the
observations occurring at the time of the moon's first quarter. From the
statistical study, Dr. Whipple suggests that the existence of moonlight
is correlated with the phenomena. Dr. Whipple's frequency diagram of
observations vs. age of moon is included in this report.
It should be noted that Dr. Whipple made a careful study of meteor
photographs taken in New Mexico on 35 nights when observations were
reported. None of the photographs revealed the presence of unusual sky
phenomena. Finally, the overall picture obtained from the year of
vigilance and inquiry does not permit a conclusive opinion concerning
the aerial phenomena of interest.
The comparatively high incidence of the phenomena since 1948 does not
necessarily indicate that the objects are man-made. It is conceivable
that the earth may be passing through a region in space of high meteoric
population. Also, the sun-spot maxima in 1948 perhaps in some way may
be a contributing factor.
Recommendations
Since the findings to date cannot be considered conclusive, it appears that the following recommendations would be pertinent:
(1) No further fiscal expenditure be made in pursuing
the problem. This opinion is prompted partly by the fruitless
expenditure during the past year, the uncertainty of existence of
unexplainable aerial objects, and by the inactive position currently
taken by Holloman AFB as indicated by the "stand-by status" of the
project. The arrangements by HAFB for continued vigilance by Land-Air,
the weather station as well as the briefing of pilots on the problem in
part relieves the need for a systematic instrumentation program.
(2) Within the next few months, Dr. Whipple will have
completed the installation of two 18-inch Schmidt cameras for meteor
studies. The cameras will be stationed about 20 miles apart in the
vicinity of Las Cruces, New Mexico. Since these studies will be
sponsored by the GRD, arrangements can be made for examining the film
for evidence of aerial object phenomena.
